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