We’ve been wheeling and dealing with our distributors and we’ve come up with some tasty discounts.

2016 Viñedo de los Vientos, Estival Blanc  $12
60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Moscato
From Uruguay, the Estival is a blend, but it’s fermented all together.  The Chardonnay is harvested unripe like in “Champagne” to get the high acidity to balance the fully ripe Gewurztraminer and the Moscato Bianco’s fruity flavors. You can feel the sweetness of the Gewurz and Moscato and the sharp acidity of the Chardonnay with lots of different flavors in between.
Was $18 Now $12

2016 Nervi, Bianca  $12
Erbaluce di Caluso
Nervi is the oldest officially-recognized winery in the Gattinara DOCG.  This rare Piedmontese grape produces a refreshing white wine of surprising minerality and acidity.
Was $19 now $12

2018 Kivelstadt, Mother of Invention  $15
60% Roussanne, 32% Marsanne
Frank Zappa’s favorite wine.   Farmed organically on Bonfiglio Vineyard along the banks of the Russian River, Mother is fermented in neutral French oak barrels, sur-lie aged for 6 months, and undergoes malolactic fermentation naturally before going to bottle.  Fruity in aroma  this medium-bodied wine is is full of Apricot and orange-zest aromas meet lemon and grapefruit flavors on a lively, crisp texture. Organic
Was $21 now $15

2016 Terre di Maté, Regaldina Gavi  $10
Cortese
This organic white take a big price drop as they change vintages. Medium-bodied, bone dry and golden in the glass, it smells like melon and flowers. You get rich, golden fruit (apples, pears, quince!) with lots of acidity and mineral notes, finishing with some creamy lemon curd. Biodynamic.
Was $18 now $10

2017 Le Moerette, Lugana Mandolara  $15
Turbiana
Produced from the Turbiana grapes, that grow in the narrow strip of land on the shore of Lake Garda.  Its characteristic balanced bouquet is pleasant and fresh, with flower sensations. At taste it is attractively fruity, with apple and peach hints characterized, at the end, by a trace of bitter almonds.
Was $21, now $15

2019 Fondrèche, Ventoux Rosé  $13
50% Cinsault, 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache
Freshness and gluttony at the rendezvous. With a pretty soft and luminous pink, with a flattering nose of raspberry, peach and flowers, it unfolds at the palate sensations both delicate and persistent.
Was $20 now $13

2013 Verum Malbec Reserva  $15
From a sustainably-grown vineyard in Alto Valle de Rio Negro, Patagonia Argentina. Verum Malbec expresses its unique Patagonia terror, showcasing fresh flavors of violets and red fruits along with spice notes  The wine is much more elegant than Medoza’s thicker, full bodied wines.
Was $28 now $15

2015 Viñedo de las Vintos Tannat  $14
From Atlàntida, Coastal Region, Uruguay.   The nose delivers overwhelming aromas of autumn leaves and earth, while the palate is black licorice and wild mushrooms.
Was $19, now $14

  Our Current Hours  

Wednesday to Sunday, Noon to 6PM

We have received a few new Barolos and Barbarescos into the shop the last couple of weeks and the pricing on them is quite attractive.  Here’s the list of what’s come in as well a few less expensive Langhe Nebbiolos to get you through the midweek.

Barbaresco

2015 Costa di Bussia, Serre dei Roveri Barbaresco  $28
A delicious Barbaresco with classic aromas of cherries, currants and rose petals.  Mouth: very juicy and stimulating to the palate, spicy notes of licorice at the end.

2016 Giordano, Barbaresco Cavanna  $34
Loaded with flavors of spicy red fruit, crushed flowers, sage, and blood orange. Bright acid and gritty tannins assure that this wine will only get better over the next 5-8 years

2015 Pelissero, Barbaresco Nubiola  $45
Racy and exuberant on the palate, with terrific fruit density, the 2015 Barbaresco Nubiola captures the exuberant side of the year nicely. Fruity and floral notes that go from the ripe red fruit to the officinal herbs. Soft, tasty, velvety at the same time, leaves on the taste buds a note of sweetness and roundness typical of ripe grape with a slightly dry and astringent closure that distinguishes the Nebbiolo.

Barolo

2015 Luigi Pira, Serralunga Barolo  $35
From 55-year-old vines.  The nose reveals a classic Barolo, fresh and elegant in its notes of leather, hay, earth and spices. On the palate it is round, well balanced between acidity and tannins, very persistent.

2013 Ascheri, Barolo  $42
Produced in the traditional way with a blend of different vineyards, the Ascheri is rich and intense garnet red color composite bouquet of sweet spices, dried flowers, leather and   undergrowth harmonious, well-structured with elegant tannins and great balance and  complexity

2014 Renato Ratti, Barolo Marcenasco  $45
The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. The fruit almost appears to be on the ripe side, yet the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo. In the mouth it has touches of sour cherry fruit on the close.  91pts Parker.

2019 Ca’ del Baio, Langhe Nebbiolo  $15
A vibrant, medium-bodied red from Piedmont with no oak contact. This wine features bright cherry along with the earth and tobacco finish of good Nebbiolo. Zingy acidity and granular tannins make this versatile pairing.

2018 Cantina del Pino, Langhe Nebbiolo  $23
Grown in Barbaresco and aged for eight months in stainless steel this wine has all the fruity and spicy characteristics of a traditional Barbaresco, but it is meant to be consumed young. Complex and smooth with good structure of fruit and tannins.

2016 Pelissero, Langhe Nebbiolo  $25
A very serious wine at this level, as it has considerable tannic clout underpinning the fruit. Lifted aromatics, finely sculpted red fruits and firm tannins are front and center it packs a good bit of energy and intensity into its mid-weight frame. The Langhe Nebbiolo is a tank of Vie Erte Barbaresco juice given a shorter aging time of five months in tank and five months in cask.

Here’s some new wines to the shop this last week that are all great values for what they are.  It’s Saturday.  Here’s something nice to end the week.

Whites

2019 Adega de Moncã, Vinho Verde  $10
Alvarinho and Trajadura
There is a small amount of CO2 in the wine, and it has a ripe, aromatic nose but it is bone dry on the palate and finishes very clean. The wines from this northerly sub-region are a little more ripe and complex than the classic Vinho Verde style.

2019 Domaine Massiac, Viognier  $17
This rustic estate situated in the heart of the Minervois.  Their Viognier has a bouquet of orange-blossom, white flower, apricot, and melon. The palate is clean with a nice mineral undertone. Organic

2019 Domaine Huet, Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu  $31
Chenin Blanc
World Class Chenin. Ripe pear, tangerine and orange fruits with notes of lemon grass and green pimientos intertwined with very fine chalky and later tobacco notes give a remarkably fine, elegant and harmonious, subtly complex and simply gorgeous bouquet with floral (lime blossom!) and yeasty aromas that are immediately attractive. Delicate and linear on the palate, this is a pure, fresh, bone-dry, lean and textured, highly refined and perfectly interwoven Chenin with persistent purity, finesse, salty-mineral tension and very fine tannins. Highly finessed and so pure and vivacious! This is a chalky picture-book Haut-Lieu that can age for many years, even though it is already dangerously seductive! — 95pts Wine Advocate.

2019 Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc  $38
20% each Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc.
A rock-solid bouquet of honeyed apples, citrus blossom, white flowers, and a kiss of honeyed toast, this beauty has a supple, seamless texture and beautiful overall balance. Medium-bodied on the palate, this is just a classic Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc that does everything right, delivering plenty of mid-palate and texture, a solid sense of freshness, and a clean, dry finish

Reds

2017 Laurent Cognard, Château de Buxy Bourgogne  $22
Pinot Noir
Perfumed and with red-cherry flavors, it is soft and generous. With the acidity and fruitiness combining easily.  Was $28 now $22

2019 Ampeleia Unlitro  $20  1ltr
Grenache, Carignan, and Alicante Bouschet
An unusual lighter Tuscan red.  The flavors are pure and lively, with no oak to interfere with the myriad aromas of wild flowers, forest fruit, red berries, and subtle spices. There’s a lingering hint of sweetness and refreshing acidity on the finish that makes a happy impression on the palate.  Bio Dynamic, low sulfides

2015 Lan Rioja Reserva  $20
Tempranillo
A traditional Reserva with berry, vanilla and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium body with refined tannins and a delicious finish.

2018 Château Pierre Bise Schists Loire  $21
90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
The fruit is grown in the ancient volcanic soils of the Anjou village called Spilite, which is so compacted that the vines really have to struggle to penetrate. The resulting wine is mineral, ripe and full of red fruit, with firm tannins and a flinty undertone.

2016 Le Haut-Medoc d’Issan   $40
60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot
As the third wine of the famed 3rd Growth Château d’Issan hierarchy, the Le Haut-Médoc is textbook claret without the triple-digit price tag!” The wine has a bright and vivid bouquet of dark cherry, blueberry, and lead pencil. This fruit component also drives the pallet with a medium-bodied texture and mineral accents.

Our Current Hours

Wednesday to Monday – Noon to 6PM

We received our very small allocation of Lopez d’ Heredia white and rosé (a couple of bottles of each).  With such a small lot it is hard to figure out how to offer them for sale.  We came up with the following offer.  Buy one bottle of the Tondonia Reserva red and you can buy a bottle of the White or Rosé.  Buy two Tondonia Reserva red and you can buy a bottle of each.  Also the new vintage (2008) of the red is set to arrive soon and word has it the price is going to jump so even if you don’t what the white or rosé it might be a good time to stock up on the red.

2008 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Bianco  $58
90% Viura, 10% Malvasia
An amazing white from Lopez de Heredia.  Very elegant and complex nose. Hints of honey and dried apricots. Citrus. Lemon, orange compote. Notes of hazelnuts on a very delicate wooden background. The flavor is satiny, very evolved. With a great acidity that promises a long life. Long finish.

2010 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rosé  $37
60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Viura
The new release.   Beautiful flavors of blood orange, berries, peach skin and almonds only begin to describe this wine, which also has a silken texture unlike any other rosé you have likely ever had.

2007 Lopez d’ Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva   $45
75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazeulo
A remarkable red from a Rioja icon, López de Heredia. There’s no concession to modernity, with fermentation in 140-year-old wooden vats plus six years’ ageing in oak casks, the rest in bottle.  Spices, leather, cherries, balsamic and cigar box.  Very complex spice and berry fruit, with a long savory finish.

Our current hours – Wednesday to Sunday – Noon to 6PM

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.

–Our Winter Hours–
Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

While we are waiting for the blizzard (or a few flakes) to descend and shut down Seattle, here are a few wines we snuck in the door before the snow.  Let’s start with the Bubbles and Whites.  They will be perfectly chilled by the time you get home.

Bubbles

Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley Brut  $15 — 375 ml
60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
This crisp, fruity and citrus-accented wine has plenty of green apple and lemon flavors, brisk bubbles and a clean, tangy finish. A flavor of fresh-baked bread and a softer texture develop with time in the glass, 2-years lees aged.

Valdo, Marca Oro Prosecco  $15
Glera
A fine perlage, and crisp fruity palate with hints of golden delicious apples and white fruits.  Crisp and refreshing.

2019 Montelliana, Millesimato Prosecco Rosé  $12
Glera and Pinot Noir
This Millesimato charmat method sparkling wine has fine and persistent bubbles. With a good structure, the nose is delicate, with floral aromas and hints of red fruit. In the mouth it is fresh and elegant, with pleasant returns of fruity aromas.
Was $14, now $12

Cantina di Sorbara, Lambrusco di Sorbara Emma  $13
Ruby red, with aromas of berries, fruits, and flowers; on the palate it is lively and clean with a cherry aftertaste and a persistent froth.

Whites

2020 La Yunta, Torrontés  $10
A fresh Argentinian white.  Notably aromatic of green melon and white peach. It has balanced citrus flavor with a touch of French oak to provide a crisp yet lingering finish.

2019 Chateau de la Bigotiere, Muscadet Sevre & Maine  $13
From 40 year old vines.  The nose emits a pure, fresh display of stone fruits, green apple, pear, white flower and a thread of mineral dust. The palate is darting with prickly, crisp flavors with a mouthwatering acidity.

2019 La-Vis Dipinti, Sauvignon Blanc  $12
A Northern Italian Sauv. Blanc with intense aromas of fig, nutmeg and peach on the nose. Medium-bodied with vibrant citrus fruit and undertones of white pepper. Clean and bright with a crisp finish.

2019 Colutta, Friuli Colli Orientali  $18
Sauvignon Blanc
Honeysuckle, tomato-leaf and honeydew-melon aromas shape the nose. Bright, linear and savory, the palate doles out Meyer lemon, nectarine and pear while a mineral note of saline accents the finish.

2019 Nicolas Idiart, Sancerre  $27
Sauvignon Blanc
From 30 year old vines planted in dry chaulky limestone soil just SW of Sancerre.  The wine has notes of verbena, lemon curd, white peach and gooseberry which show through the long, floral finish.

2019 Mas des Bressades, Cuvèe Tradition Blanc  $15
50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 10% Viognier, 10% Marsanne
A stylish nose both of White peaches and flowers of almond trees and then back in the mouth of citrus and exotic fruits. The mouth is supported by good acidity and mineral notes.

2017 Averaen, Willamette Valley Chardonnay  $15
Aiming for a classic style exhibiting mineral, earth, pear, honey, cantaloupe with high-tones in aromatics, blissed out acidity, but creamy texture on back-end offering length and structure.  Was $22 now $15

2018 Haden Fig, Willamette Valley Chardonnay  $22
Fermented and aged entirely in neutral French oak, this Oregon Chard has notes of lemon curd, brioche with citrus oil and slight creaminess on the nose followed by a nicely textured mid-palate and bright finish.

2019 La Spinetta, Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Piccolo Derthona        $30
Single Vineyard Timorasso from Spinetta.  Timorasso is an ancient vine indigenous to Piedmont. A wine with unbelievable structure and surprising longevity. Delicate citrus and floral notes sing in concert these are also present when you taste the wine.  On the palate it is savory and generous, it finishes clean and persistent.

2016 Teutonic Wine Company, Willamette Valley Riesling  $20
Wonderfully drinkable Riesling – very light and bright – honeysuckle notes. Perfect sushi wine

1995 C.H. Berres, Ürziger Würzgarten Beerenauslese  $50
Riesling
An aged, developed Riesling.  Thick, rich and expressive, with concentrated flavors of ripe apricot, peach and butterscotch that show hints of marzipan. Powerful acidity provides the structure, and the long finish is intensely buttery and spicy.  8.5% alcohol by volume

Our Winter Hours
Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

Owen Roe, a Columbia Valley stalwart, is switching distributors.  As a result we are snatching up some great pricing from the old distributor while supplies last.  Here are the three wines we brought in to start.  Similar discounts apply to their other wines (including their Sharecropper line) so inquire if you have a favorite besides these ones.  It might be a good time to stock up.

2019 Owen Roe, Sinister Hand  $20
7% Syrah, 18% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 5% White Rhone, 2% Cinsault
Sinister Hand displays spicy, dark, and savory characteristics. The exuberant nose has raspberry aromas with a hint of vanilla, while the lively palate has a soft juicy texture and a well-balanced acidity. Chewy tannins, black cherry, and a hint of toasty French oak round out the vibrant finish.
Was $28 Now $20

2018 Owen Roe, Ex Umbris  $20
Syrah
Ex Umbris opens up on the nose with dried cranberries and a touch of stone and leather. The masculine aromas then give way to fresh cherry and blueberry on the palette. Subtle pepper and light smokiness follows the fruit to the mid-palette with mellow tannins.
Was $28 Now $20

2018 Owen Roe, Abbots Table  $18
Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Blaufrankish, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot
This beautiful blend first grabs you on the nose with spice and leather. It finishes with nice blueberry notes as well as Marion berry pie and wet tobacco, and brings medium tannins and bright acidity to the palate.
Was $24 Now $18

Our Winter Hours —
Wednesday to Sunday
Noon to 6PM

We recently discovered some Romanian wine with grapes we hadn’t ever heard of before.  Of course, we got excited.  Here are the first two wine we brought in.

In the heart of Dealu Mare region, in an area with sunny rolling hills, sits Budureasca vineyards.  The archaeological evidence suggests a rich tradition in vinification, dating since the time of the Dacians or even their ancestors, the ancient Thracians.

2018 Budureasca, Vine In Flames Fetească Regală  $15
Fetească Regală is a white grape variety, created in the 1930s, in Mureș County, Romania. It is a natural crossing of Grasă and Fetească albă.  It makes a fresh and savory white wine.  The wine has a medium lemon color, with a pleasant nose of ripe pear and wildflowers.  The body is delicate, with high acidity and aromas of peach, yellow apple and a short to medium aftertaste.

2016 Budureasca, Fetească Neagră  $16
Fetească Neagră; English: Black Maiden is an old pre-phylloxeric variety of Romanian – Moldovan grape,  The Budureasca ia a juicy and full-bodied Feteasca Neagra, fragrant with bright cherry, spice, vanilla aromas on the nose. Dry, vibrant with ripe red berry, dark plum, blackberry, sweet spice and vanilla flavors on the palate.

“The Vine in Flames” brand reflects on a historical moment during the rule of the first Dacian King Burebista (82-44 B.C.), 2,000+ years ago, when the vineyards were burned because they were considered a “temptation” for invaders – so wonderful was the wine made from those grapes.

While rich in tradition Budureasca Winery is a very modern winery.

Our Current Hours Are
Sunday to Wednesday
Noon to 6PM