New Years is about time. And time has a big influence on wine. Saturday we’ll be pouring a few things old (a couple of Bordeaux with some age) to reflect on and a few things new (bubbles just in to the shop) to look forward to. Drop by and contemplate times passage or just pass the time on Saturday afternoon.

Valdo Prosecco Brut DOC $12
Glera (Prosecco)
For something new try this well-balanced Italian bubbly. “Fresh, with a spicy thread of ground ginger, cardamom and balsamic weaving through tropical notes of pineapple, tangerine, white peach and vanilla bean. Balanced, with a lightly frothy mousse and a floral finish.”–Wine Spectator
 
Champagne Julien Chopin, Carte d’ Or, Blanc de Blanc– Holiday Special Price $40 Chardonnay,
Julien Chopin 6 ha vineyard located in Epernay produces this full “Grower” Blanc de Blanc.    The wine contains 30% of 6 year old reserve wine blended with the younger wine to balance freshness with complexity. The Carte d’ Or has notes of butter, honey, and grapefruit along with a bit of brulee and mineral and a long lingering finish. Toast the New Year in right.
 
2004 Chateau Villars, Fronsac $20
69% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
An organic vineyard in Fronsac with 35 year old vines. Chateau Villars has been run by the Gaudrie family many gererations. They keep the best fruit for their wine, selling the rest to brokers. The Hatchett Guide 2008 described the 2004 as “aromas of leather and underwood in perfect harmony with the fruit. The round, smooth, ripe tannins wrapped in intense wood notes are of high quality and demand to mature.” Four years later its time has come. Limited to stock on hand.
 
2005 Chateau Marsau, Cotes de Francs $18
Another Bordeaux with some age that is drinking great right now, the Marsau is a powerful wine that is starting to show its stuff. This beautiful Merlot-dominated Cotes de Franc exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of black raspberries, cherries, and currants, good freshness, ripe tannin, and a medium-bodied, pure mid-palate as well as finish. A sleeper of the vintage, it is ideal for drinking during its first 10-12 years of life.-Robert Parker

We assembled some tasty wines for the holidays from all over. We’ll have a sparkler from Alsace, a bold Viognier from Oregon, a Super Tuscan from Maremma, a big Cab from Walla Walla and a bit of Californiafor dessert.

Lucien Albrecht Crémant Brut Blanc de Blanc $19
Lucien Albrecht pioneered Crémant production in 1971 and helped gain an Appellation Contrôlêe for the wine and for Alsace. The wine is vinified by the classic Champagne Method. This Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Pinot Blanc has a fine and elegant bead, a beautiful straw color; a light, delicate palate.

2008 Quady North, Viognier Steelhead Run $20
Herb Quady, the son of the California winemaking family, has moved north to Applegate Valley in Oregon and is producing some great wines from the fruit there. His single vineyard Viognier has citrus, melon and Asian pear notes, delicate, silky tannins and distinct notes of plum and white pepper.. Classic melon, stonefruit, and pineapple aromas overlay a subtle note of fresh bread.

2009 Rocca di Frassinello, Le Sughere, Maremma $26
50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Rocca di Frassinello is a partnership between Castellare di Castellina in Chianti Classico and Eric de Rothschild who has just a little experience with Bordeaux blends. The 2009 Le Sughere di Frassinello is simply dazzling . . . Expressive floral notes are woven throughout a fabric of vibrant dark fruit in this intense, supple red. Racy and expressive from start to finish, the wine impresses for its fabulous harmony and ripe, explosive finish. –93 Pts ROBERT PARKER

2009 Amavi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla $26
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc
Amavi Cellars own blocks of grapes in Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills, Les Collines, and Goff Vineyards This Cab is a blend of theses vineyards all of which are certified sustainable. The wine has full aromas of ripe mixed berries complement earthy notes of cedar and wet stones. On the palate, layers of black cherries and blackberries mingle with hints of dark chocolate, mint and spice. Gentle tannins create a supple mouthfeel, leading to a powerful yet refined finish.

Quady, Essencia $20-750ml   $15– 375ml
Orange Muscat
Quady has been a pioneer of California dessert wines. Orange Muscat is grown in small plantings in France, Italy and Australia. The Essencia has aromas reminiscent of Orange Blossom and Apricot, and a lingering refreshing aftertaste. The wine is lightly fortified to about 15% alcohol and aged for 3 months in French Oak.

Thursday, December 16^th

5:30-7:30pm

With Winemaker Payne Heath

Witness Tree Vineyard is a 100-acre estate in the Eola Hills of the Willamette Valley named for an ancient oak which towers over the vineyard. Heath Payne is the winemaker for Witness Tree and can often be found on a tractor or out walking the vineyard, checking on the crop.  His use of low yields in the vineyard and minimal handling in the winery create wines of depth, elegance, concentration, and character. Come give them a sip.

2010 Witness Tree Pinot Blanc $15
Pinot Blanc is grown in very small quantities in the Willamette Valley. Witness tree has two and a half acres in production. This limited bottling offers delightful fruit flavors reminiscent of apple and pear, balanced beautifully by a crisp refreshing acidity.

2010 Witness Tree Chardonnay $15
The Witness Tree Chardonnay is a blend of estate-grown Davis 108 clone, coupled with a bit of Dijon clone fruit farmed at the Stand Sure Vineyard. Upon opening the wine brings intense aromas of pineapples, mangos and other juicy tropical fruits. As it is a cooler vintage, the acidity is a bit higher-toned, yet in complete balance with fruit and alcohol content. In the mouth the wine shows exceedingly vibrant acidity balanced by a rich, very full mouth-feel of more tropical fruit, butterscotch and a kiss of toasted French oak.

2011 Witness Tree Remari Rosato $15
Named for the owners two granddaughters, Remi and Mari. The “Remari” Rosato, or Rose’, exhibits aromas of strawberries, cherries, grapefruit and watermelon with a full palate of flavors, finishing with spicy nuances of soft acidity.

2010 Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir $25
Deep garnet in color, the Witness Tree Estate Pinot Noir is powerful and yet full of grace with aromas of dark, primary fruits with intense perfume and spice driven qualities. On the palate the wine is round, full and satiny with notes of black cherries, rhubarb, dried herbs and baking spices. The finish is fresh and clean with well-integrated tannins and acid. Though drinking well in its youth, it will definitely reward the patient cellarer. 

Effervescence, everyone needs some, especially around the holidays. This Saturday we’ll have plenty of it. We’ll be pouring a versatile selection of sparkling wines from around the world from everyday quaffers to sophisticated cuvees. They hail from Spain, Italy, the Loire, Burgundy and of course Champagne. Come effervesce.

 
Dibon Brut Reserva Cava $10
 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
This Catalan sparkling wine is made in the Traditional or Champagne method from organic grapes. It has received Best Buy and Good Value ratings from Wine Enthusiast & Wine & Spirits Magazine, and with good reason. It is a good fruity cava with notes of pear and apricot that drinks above its price.

 De Chanceney, Brut Rosé $15
Cabernet Franc
This dark and dry fruited Rosé from the Loire comes from 20- to 30-year-old vines. It is aged for 18 months in the traditional Champagne method. It has lively aromas of red fruit and citrus and fine and persistent bubbles.
 
Maison Louis Picamelot, Cremant de Bourgogne $15
62% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 13% Aligote
Son of a cooper and winegrower, Louis Picamelot was among the very first Rully’s inhabitants to launch the production of “Bourgogne Mousseux. This Cremant ages for at least 9 months on its lees.
The wine has fruity, toasty aromas with a mouthful of flavors lemon, honey, grapefruit rind, and a chalky minerality.
 
2008 Primosic, Sparkling Ribollanoir $20
89% Ribolla Gialla, 11% Pinot Nero
Ribolla Gialla is an indigenous varietal in Friuli from the Northeast of Italy and Pinot Nero is the local strain of Pinot Noir. This full bodied bubblier is made using the charmant method. The blend is refermented (prise de mousse) at a very low temperature in order to preserve the primary aromatic components. The Ribollanoir keeps the flamboyant characteristics of Ribolla united with the gentle aromatics of Pinot Noir. It’s a delightful combination.
 
Champagne Moutard, Brut Grande Cuvée $38
Pinot Noir
Moutard’s vineyard is situated on the sunny slopes of the Côte des Bar in the southern part of the Champagne Region where the family has lived since the 17^th century. They started making their own wine in the beginning of the 20^th century.   The vineyard soils are made up of clays and limestone, lending to rich, fruity aromas and good minerality. The Grande Cuvee is aged for at least three years. The wine is complex and nuanced, with fine, intense bubbles. It has a seductive bouquet of pears, grilled almonds, mineral notes and apple pie followed by rich flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey and buttered toast and a remarkably long, delicate finish.

Saturday

Darby

Saturday, December 1^st

2pm

This Saturday we’ll be showing off the wines from Darby Winery. Darby started in the basement of an old farmhouse which he quickly out grew and moved Woodinville’s now-saturated warehouse district where he now makes his wines. The grapes come from some of the states’ top vineyards —Stonetree, Connor Lee, Stillwater Creek, Discovery, Dineen. Darby’s winemaking approach is minimalist including native fermentation. Each vintage and varietal it treated differently, adapting fermentation and barrel choices to the fruit in hand, oaking each wine to match its character. Most of the reds see 18-20 months in barrel. The whites get partial barrel fermentation and are then aged in stainless. The wines are big and playful without being bludgeoning.

2011 Livewire Marsanne $20
This wine from Boushey vineyard, one of the greatest vineyards in the state, has a great mouth-feel with seamless lushness and notes of orange peel, honey and fresh citrus . A great food wine with crisp acidity.

2011 Le Deuce $24
65% Viognier, 35% Roussanne
The Viognier comes from Stonetree Vineyard and the Roussanne comes from Stillwater Creek Vineyard, both in the Wahluke Slope AVA. Fresh and floral with beautiful notes of white peach, dried apricot and smoky minerality. Fermentation in French oak puncheons for 14 days gives this wine a great texture and spice component.

2010 Livewire Cabernet Franc $28
The Cabernet Franc is elegant and deftly balanced with pretty red berry and raspberry fruit against dusky herbs, white pepper and cedar notes. The fruit comes from Stonetree Vineyard and a small amount from Stillwater Creek Vineyard. 30% new French oak which adds a spicy complexity.

2010 Chaos $32
45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Fresh, clean, complex flavors of currant, blackberry, roasted plum and cedar lead to a full bodied elegant wine. Shows great structure and focus and should age nicely over the next 3-5 years.

Sunday

Champagne Tasting $20 — 5:30pm

Come try a fine assortment of Grower Champagnes without pulling the corks yourself. Five wines and tasty appetizers to go with. Start the evening and start the holidays off right.

Space is limited so call or email us to reserve a spot.

Piedmont is best known for the stellar regions of Barolo and Barbaresco and rightfully so. But travel to the northeast of there and you can find some great DOCs that have a different approach to Nebbiolo. This Saturday we’ll be tasting wines from Lessona, Bramaterra and Gattinara — lesser known regions but with great character just waiting to be discovered. Escape Black Friday and Holiday Craziness and taste the wines of Tenuta Sella and their 350 years of tradition.
 
2010 Nervi, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG $17
Nervi is a long running winery in Gattinara that was recently revamped by one of the owners of Isole e Olena.   Their Erbaluce is a distinct crisp white with a lot of character.
 
2011 Il Chiosso, Rossomarconi, Vino di Travolta $10
100% Nebbiolo
Il Chiosso is run by a young winemaking duo who tapped their families’ vineyards in Gattinara, Ghemme and Fara to provide the backbone to their start up endeavor. There non-DOC Nebbiolo just shows off the fruit. Light and easy with lots of rose petal, light cherry and a little snap.
 
2011 Cà Montebello, Custiò $15
Barbera, Croatina (Bonarda)
A little to the east of Piedmonte, just over the border in Lombardy, is Oltrepo Pavese where ‘Cà Montebello stretches across the lower hills with its flourishing vineyards on an imposing landscape. Their single vineyard Custiò is a unique blend of Barbera and Croatina. Its floral and spicy notes, along with black cherry and plum set off its dry and full structure.

2007 Tenuta Sella, Bramaterra DOC $30
70% Nebbiolo, 20% Croatina (Bonarda), 10% Vespolina
The Sella family has had vineyards in Lessona since 1671. Their Bramaterra is youngster of the family which they have only been making for a mere century. This unique blend expresses the full-flavored mineral quality of the porphyry where it grows. It is aged for 28 months in large barrel before release. The Bramaterra has a full big structure with layers of minerals and dried cherry.
 
2006 Tenuta Sella, Lessona DOC $35
80% Nebbiolo, 20% Vespolina
Tenuta Sella has been making this wine for more than three centuries. The ancient marine sand of Lessona and the floral Vespolina enriches the noble Nebbiolo. The wine ages for 24 months in large Slavonia oak casks. The lesson is smooth and voluptuous, with a layer of jammy silk over its serious structure.