Beyond the big names, the wine world of France is chocked full of small family estates that fly under the radar in near oblivion. This sets up nicely for savvy importers who seek them out and make their reputation on the quality and value of their wines. This Saturday we’ll be pouring a few of these discovered gems from importers Kermit Lynch and Fran Kysela as well as a couple that just found us.

2011 Domaine Joseph Mellot, Sincerite Sauvignon Blanc $10
This family run estate in the Loire produces great Sancere, Pouilliy Fumé, and Reuilly. Their unassuming Sincerite is a fantastic bargain. The wine is ripe with attractive floral notes, a light grassy aroma, a good body and a lively freshness. 

2012 Domaine de la Mordoree La Remise Rose $15
50% Marselan, 50% Merlot
Domaine de la Mordoree is a terrific estate winery imported by Fran Kysela. Located in the town of Tavel, in the Southern Rhone, the grapes are farmed by lute raisonnée (intervention in the vineyard only when necessary).Their reds are big and bold, but this rosé is much more elegant with lilting rose petal and strawberry aromas, followed by a rich and balanced palate and a lingering finish.

2011 Kermit Lynch, Vin De Pays, Vacluse $11
55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 10% Marselan 
With this VDP, Kermit steps out of his importer role and takes on blending his own cuvee. The wine is made by Domaine de Durban, harvested by hand and ferment by carbonic maceration, then aged for 8 months before being bottled unfiltered. In the blending Kermit goes wild breaking all the rules, but comes up with a tasty wine. 

2010 Domaine Pasquiers, Sablet $15
65% Grenache, 25% Syrah,10% Mourvèdre 
Sablet is one of the more obscure appellations of the Rhone. There Jean-Claude and Philippe Lambert took over their father’s then 65 year old estate in 1999. The wine has lots of spicy, black pepper and blackcurrant flavors with a solid structure, smooth integrated tannins and a bit of licorice on the finish.

2011 Domaine Grande Veneur, Les Champauvin, Cotes du Rhone $22
70 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah, 10 % Mourvèdre
Another terrific property imported by Fran Kysela, Grande Veneur was founded by Mathieu Jaume in 1826. It is now run by Alain Jaume and turns out some great Châteauneuf du Pape. Les Champauvins is a single vineyard Rhone wine from their non-Neuf holdings. The wine is rich in blackcurrant and red fruit, minerals, along with full tannins that lend a fine and firm finish.

Washington keeps sprouting new wineries like dandle ions in Spring. It’s hard to keep track of them, but this Saturday will get a bead on Sonoris Wines. Winemaker Hilllary Sjorlund worked at Pine Ridge in Napa and at DiStefano here in Washington before opening her own winery in 2011. Sonoris means “to resonate.” Stop by and see if the wines resonate with you. Hillary will be here to tell you more.

2011 Sauvignon Blanc “Pure Grace” $18
Aromas of nectarine, citrus, lemon, and golden apple. Crisp acidity, juicy mid-palate, with a hint of grapefruit and orange blossom on the finish.

2011 Viognier “Verna Mae” $22
78% Viognier, 22% Roussanne
Aromas of white peach, melon, honey, and apricot. Slightly floral on the palate with a hints of pear and herbal tea on the finish.

2009 Merlot “The Source” $30
75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc
Aromas of red berries, raspberry, strawberry, violets, vanilla, cardamom, blueberry and tobacco leaf. Soft, silky tannins on the palate, with a slight toasted oak finish.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon “Burney’s Blend” $40
94% Cab Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Aromas of blackberry, cassis, toasted oak, cedar, baked berry, strawberry jam, black tea, cigar, black cherry, and cocoa. Lengthy, chewy tannin on mid palate and finish.

Sunny or Soggy, SPRING is here! So this Saturday we’ve lined up a fine selection of wines to celebrate its arrival. They are all fresh, intriguing and full of promise, just like the season. Brave the showers and come sniff the flowers.

2012 Alancia, Vinho Verde $8
Vinho Verde or “green wine” comes from the Minho province in the far north of Portugal. The green refers not to the color but the age. It is meant to be drunk young and fresh. The Alancia is crisp with a good body and that whisp of effervescence that makes it refreshing.

Eric Bordet, Poiré Authentique Sydre $18
Eric Bordet biodaynamically farms 15 hectares of heirloom orchards in Normandy with 20 varieties of apples and 15 of pears. His Poiré Authentique has a gentile mousse, and layers of pear and yeasty flavors that go on and on with just a slight hint of sweetness. Only 4% alcohol by volume.

2011 Chateau Beaubois, Cuvée Expression Rosé $9
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Cinsault
Beaubois is a 4th generation family estate in Costières des Nîmes with 21 year old vines which they farm with Agriculture Raisonnée. This rosé is made by the saignée method (bleeding off a portion of red wine after only a short period of contact of the juice with the skins). The wine has aromas of anise, raspberries, and redcurrant along with a lively fresh mouthfeel. The 2011 is tasting great at the moment and comes at a great price with the 2012 vintage knocking at the door. Was $12 now $9

2011 Lorelle, Pinot Noir $15
From renowned Oregon winemaker J. Albin, this lighter Oregon Pinot has fresh clean fruit flavors. It is a lighter easy drinking red that would accompany any sunny afternoon of Barbeque.

2009 Lafran-Veyrolles, Bandol Rouge $30
80% Mourvèdre, with the balance being Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault. 
One of the oldest Bandol estates dating back to 1641, Lafran-Veyrolles is still a family run affair. It has 10 hectares of vineyards, of which 6.5 are Mourvèdre, with the rest in Grenache, Cinsault, and some Clairette and Ugni Blanc. The estate is known for its long keeping, well structured reds. This Bandol is warm, slightly wild, slightly soft sofa leather but essentially fabulously ripe fruit, fully integrated with oak, with hints of fresh earth, black pepper, grilled meat, cinnamon, bay, sage and a solid structure.

The Piedmont region is in the foothills of the Alps bordering France and Switzerland. Here Nebbiolo reigns in its most interesting and complex incarnation as Barolo. The valley and the mountains do contribute to the areas noted fog cover which aides in the ripening of the Nebbiolo grape (which gets its name from the Piedmontese word nebbia meaning “fog”).   Saturday we’ll be pouring a few of the great wines from this region. We’ll have a couple classic Nebbiolos as well as a fresh Cortesse and a tangy Barbera. Stop in.

2011 Araldica, Gavi, la Luciana $15
Made from the Cortese grape, the la Luciana is a fresh, lively dry white with lemon and grapefruit citrus flavor and a lurking minerality. Great with shrimp or other shellfish. 11% alcohol by volume so you can have that third glass.

2009 Araldica, Barbera di Asti, Albera $11
Medium body wine, rich with blackberries and plums and hints of red fruit. Nice complexity due to the aging in large wood barrels giving it a spicy and harmonious finish. Pairs well with Osso Bucco, pizza; risotto.

2011 Fontanafreda, Già, Langhe Rosso $18 1 ltr.
Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo
A side project of Fontanafreda, the Gia is an early release red blending Piedmontes three big red grapes. But although it is an early release wine it is by no means simple. There is lots of dark fruit and smoky tobacco notes. What you would expect from Fontanafreda. Big Wine in a Big Bottle. 11% alcohol by volume.

2010 Damilano, Nebbiolo di Alba, Marghe $15
Damilano is a family run Barolo estate that dates back to 1890. The Marghe comes from older vines of the Langhe region. It is a great introduction to Nebbiolo the undisputed king of the Piedmont grapes. The wine has aromas of blueberry, cherry and strawberry with hints of spice, such as cinnamon, vanilla and pepper. Perfect for first courses with meat sauces, grilled and stewed red meats.

2008 Damilano, Barolo, Lecinquevigne   $35
The Lecinquevigne as the name suggests consists of Nebbiolo from five Barolo vineyards. The Nebbiolo vines range in age from 30 to 50 years old. 2008 was an excellent vintage that makes the Lecinquevigne an outstanding value. The wine has an intense fragrance of rose, leather, tobacco, and subtle hints of violet and tar with flavors of dark cherry with a long smooth finish. Matches well with roasted meats, grilled sausages and peppers, and venison.

Carabella Vineyard is located on the southeast slope of Parrett Mountain in the Chehalem Mountains AVA in Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. The vines are planted at an ideal altitude between 500 to 600 feet. Gravelly volcanic soils-Nekia, Saum and Jory, have proven perfect for dry farming the low yielding vines. Geologist turned winemaker Mike Hallock had all of this in mind when he planted the first 49 acres of Carabella in 1996. The vineyard is Certified Sustainable, committed to using no herbicides or chemical pesticides. From his vineyard Mike produces his estate Pinot Noir, Dijon Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. “It is all about the vineyard site.” Join us Thursday after work and meet Mike and try the Carabella wines.

2011 Carabella Pinot Gris $18
Our latest ever Pinot Gris harvest. Extended clear weather well into October allowed development of citrus and floral aromas. Intriguing Asian pear flavors on the entry. The 30% neutral barrel fermentation brings some weight to the palate. Finishes nicely with crisp acidity and a hint of minerality.

2008 Carabella Dijon 76 Chardonnay $25
The Dijon 76 Chardonnay is made in a Burgundian style with minimal oak, lush texture and minerality.

2011 Plowbuster Pinot Noir $25
Dark garnet in color with vibrant blackberry and brown spice on the nose. Some black cherry and cinnamon on the entry with a soft tannins in the mid-palate and silky texture. Finishes nicely with a hint of minerality.

2010 Carabella Pinot Noir $35
This is a wonderful expression of the complex, elegant style of pinot noir for which Oregon gained its reputation. A blend of red fruit driven aromas, a bit of spice, very seamless tannins play well together. Some sultry underpinnings from some of the darker clones are beginning to assert themselves.

Winemaker Mike Hallock

Doug McCrea pioneered winemaking with Rhone varietals in Washington State at a time when everyone else was focused on Cab and Merlot. Years later there are many Rhone blends ion the market, but very are a match for Doug’s. This Saturday we’ll be pouring the wines of his new project Salida which focuses on Spanish varietals. These wines are made in small quantities and are very limited. Doug will be here to talk about his wines. Come try them and get ahead of the curve.

 
2011 Albariño $20 750ml   $10 375ml
Albariño’s origin is in Spain’s Rias Baixas. Salias’ comes from the Dutchman Vineyard, located at about 900 feet on the shoulder of the Yakima Valley’s Rattlesnake Mountains, provides a moderate climate for the grape. In the vineyard, the berries’ flavors literally explode in ones’ mouth with remarkable intensity once ripeness has been achieved. Characteristic aromas of Albariño are redolent in the wine, displaying bold citric elements of lemon, kiwi and pineapple. The flavors are pronounced, resembling lemon, red peach skin, white pear, green melon and Pink Lady apple with a driving embrace and a crisp finish.
 
2010 Tempranillo $20
Tempranillo is the “King” of Spanish grapes most renowned in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Salida’s comes from the Two Coyote Vineyard located on the northern flank of the Yakima Valley at about 1,000 feet elevation. The wine’s aromas are true to Tempranillo, expressing warm spices, dusty blackberry, cigar box, tobacco and leather. The mouthfeel is soft with medium tannins. A pronounced attach yields to a gentle mid-palate followed by a rustic, fairly long finish hinting at cinnamon, cardamom, black cherry, and light vanilla oak. We believe this wine will have wonderful longevity for up to ten years in bottle.
 
2010 Tres Viños $20 750ml $10 375ml
50% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha Tinta, 25% Monastrell
The Tres Viños blends Tempranillo with two other Spanish grapes, Garnacha and Monastrell. The Tempranillo is from Two Coyote Vineyard, while the Garnacha and Monastrell are from Olsen Brothers Vineyard, located in the far eastern end of the Valley where there is greater cumulative heat units supporting good ripeness. Aromas of deep black cherry and red plum lead to spicy elements redolent of figs, star anise and coriander, a hint of lavender, and a dark, truffle-like underpinning. The mouth-filling flavors resemble baked blackberry pie, blue plum and black current followed by a mixture of dark berries, tobacco and hint of leather.
 
2010 Fuego Sagrado $28
67% Malbec, 33% Tempranillo
A non-traditional blend, the ‘Fuego Sagrado,’ is sourced from Two Coyote Vineyard. Benefiting from extended hang time, the wine maintains good structure and acidity with a lush palate feel due to the gentle ripening. The Malbec, with aromas of blackberry, coffee, dark plum and chocolate, is enhanced and made complex by Tempranillo’s black cherry, spice, tobacco and dried herbs characters. Together, they offer a very unique marriage of wine grapes in a powerful and brooding dance.

At the other end of the globe there is a beautiful little island (two really) with a lovely country side that is well suited to cooler climate grapes. The wines from there aren’t big or juicy, high alcohol, over ripe. They are well balanced with good acid, lower alcohol levels and a sense of where they come from. Come try a few of them this Saturday.

2011 Cairnbrae Sauvignon Blanc $14 — 13.% Abv
Cairnbrae or “Rocky Hill” is a boutique winery in the favored Rapaura district of Marlborough, New Zealand, neighboring the well-known Cloudy Bay and Corbans Stoneleigh vineyards.. Rich and pure, the wine reflects the powerful landscape it comes from. Lifted citrus blossom floral notes with ripe tropical aromas mingle with lemongrass and guava nuances. Ripe fruit salad tropical notes abound with textural depth and an incredibly long finish. Rich and pure, the wine reflects the powerful landscape it comes from.

2010 Mission Estates Chardonnay $14 — 12.4 % Abv
Mission Estates, located in Hawkes bay, is the oldest winery in NZ, and as the name suggests started missionaries. Their Chardonnay is aged its lees giving it a soft style that is elegant and well structured. The nose has a slight smoky toasty aroma. The palate is full with soft mouth feel and fine flavors in the mid palate. They are reminiscent of stone fruit and citrus with subtle vanilla undertones from the oak. The fresh finish is clean and persistent

2010 Cairnbrae Pinot Noir $18 — 13.5% Abv
Cairnbrae’s Pinot Noir exudes classic ripe fruit flavors. Plum, cherry and blueberry fruit notes support a warm earth and spicy complexity. Damson plums, black cherry and blueberry fruit notes are supported with a warm earth and spicy complexity. The palate is rich and full on entry with ripe dark fruits, savory complexity and supple tannins. The mid-palate is creamy whilst the finish is flavorsome and persistent.

2010 Yealands Pinot Noir $18 — 13% Abv
From Marlborough, New Zealand, Yealands is a sustainably farmed estate winery that uses sheep instead of tractors and wind turbos for power. The exposure to high sun and wind, coupled with cool nights and low rainfall produce a smaller, thicker skinned berry. His Pinot has intense fruit aromas of dark cherry and savory spice. The palate is refined with notes of plum, complemented by silky tannins and a long savory finish.

2010 Mission Estate, Merlot $16 — 12.8% Abv
Not to be confused with Washington or California Merlot the Mission Estate’s is a lighter example. The nose has aromas of plum, sweet spice and savory notes. The palate is medium bodied with generous fruit in the mid palate. The wine finishes with soft fine tannins and lingering spicy fruit aromas.

We continue our celebration of Washington wine month this Saturday by pouring a great line up of unique wines from Southwest France. Stop by and try these wines from Gaillac, Cahors, and Gascony. They are great and undiscovered values with an array of bold and intriguing flavors.

2011 Philemon Gaillac Blanc Perlé $13
60% Loin de L’Oeil, 20% Muscadelle and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Organic
The Vieules family has had a vineyard in Villeneuve since 1804 where they grow wheat, sunflowers and grapes. A good proportion of their vines are more than fifty years old and are goblet pruned keeping yields exceedingly low. The Perlé’s freshness in is achieved by preserving some of the natural CO2 that occurs during the vinification. It has concentrated flavors of mineral and citrus.
 
2011 Philemon Gaillac Croix de Azul $13
Fer Servadou Braucol
The Croix d’Azal is produced entirely from Braucol, the name used in Gaillac for the Fer Servadou grape. It is a wonderful expression with all of its typical spiciness and woodsy floral aromas. The word “braucol” in girondin patois signifies taureau, the bull. The Croix d’Azal is no raging bull but one who lives peacefully in the pasture content to smell the flowers.
 
2010 Château Chabiran Bordeaux Supérieur $14
90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Not exactly from the southwest (but we had to throw it in) Château Chabiran lies on a high plateau just outside of Fronsac with soils of a local blue clay and red gravel. The unusually high density of plants encourages low yields and maximum extraction of the soil’s minerals. The wine is fermented in both stainless steel and cement tanks with a long maceration and aged partially in barrel and partially in tank. The wine is dense and leathery with layers of tannins.
 
2011 Mas del Périé Cahors, Les Escures $18
80% Auserrois, (Malbec), 20% Merlot
Cahors lays an equal distance from the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. Mas del Perié has been in the Jouves family for four generations. The domaine is located in Trespoux-Rassiels, a small village located along the chalky plateau known as Quercy Blanc. The average age of the vines is 35 years and Fabien who recently graduated from enology school is taking the vineyard toward organic certification. A minerally and leathery Malbec.
 
2009 Laffite-Teston Madiran Reflets du Terroir $18
70% Tannat, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Madiran is situated among the northern foothills of the Pyrenées in the heart of Gascony. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean the climate is somewhat humid with moderate temperatures that benefit from the prevailing south winds that bring warm dry air in the summer and fall. A family domain where the wine was formerly sold in bulk, they began estate bottling in 1975. The vineyards are on chalky clay soil. The average vine age is 40 years . For the Reflet du Terroir the juice stays in contact with the must for 20 days during which time the tanks are drained twice with the juice being returned on top of the cap.. It is then aged in 1 and 2 year old barrels for 12 months. The wine is big dense and tannic.