Red Trio Wine Club - October 2012
Learn the finer points to many of the wines we offer each month. Our club wines are expertly researched and selected for quality, value and uniqueness and every one has an interesting history. Here are some of the wines we are offering this month:
Gecko Wine Company- Woodinville, Washington
2007 Sangiovese Columbia Valley
Gecko Wine Company is a boutique winery located in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. Boutique is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit but in this case it is true to form. Gecko Wine Company only produces a few hundred cases a year because they specialize in unique grape blends using grapes more popular in other parts of the world than Washington State. Along with Syrah, they use Washington State Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Primitivo, and Counoise to name a few. The result is vibrant, lush wines that have medium oak thus the focus is on the fruit. Gecko’s 2007 Sangiovese is actually a blend of 83% Sangiovese, 8% Merlot, 5% Syrah, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested from Mracheks and Claar Vineyards in the Columbia Valley. Sangiovese Is the most widely planted grape in Italy while relatively unusual as a single varietal wine in the United States. It is the main grape used in the popular red wines of Tuscany, where it is the solitary grape of Brunello di Montalcino and the primary component of the wines of Chianti, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and many "Super Tuscans". We like to call this wine a modern Tuscan-style wine, or Super Tuscan. The Sangiovese brings bright fruit of red berries and pomegranate. The Syrah adds depth and spice while the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon contribute black cherry, mocha and a light tannic finish. This Sangiovese pairs well with a hearty, spicy soup. Drink now through 2014.
Monseigneur de Comty - France
2011 Bordeaux Rouge
Wine has been grown in Bordeaux for two thousand years. Most probably vines grew there before the arrival of the Romans in 56 BC. But unlike most of the other French wine regions, wine in Bordeaux was developed by merchants (instead of Monks). At the beginning of the second millennium the Bordeaux region was under English domination. Hundreds of boats loaded with barrels of "Claret" left for England. The "Claret" was a light red wine which Englishmen loved, the word is still used to refer to Red Bordeaux. During the 17th and 18th century, merchants from England, the Netherlands and Germany controlled most of the wines produced in the whole Bordeaux region. At that time, wineries sold their wine in barrel and cask just after they made them. Merchants bought barrels and casks, sometimes bottled the wines and matured them. In 1855, these merchants created a ranking to distinguish the finest Bordeaux wines. The classification still exists and is known as Grands Crus Classés (Great Growths). Of course this Monseigneur de Comty offering is nothing close to a Grand Cru but its QPR (Quality-Price Ratio) can be considered exceptional. This predominantly Merlot based blend (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) pours a light ruby red in the glass. The wine’s bouquet is quite intense with a spicy nose of red berries, cinnamon, pepper and a touch licorice. Medium-bodied and soft on the palate with flavors of cocoa, red fruits and a touch of oak. It has a great finish with silky tannins. The wine is ready now and will keep through 2015. Decant for a few minutes and serve at room temperature with lamb, spicy dishes or strongly flavored cheeses.
Bodega Norton – Argentina
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
Bodega Norton was founded by Edmund James Palmer Norton, an English engineer, in 1895. Norton bought the estate and land in Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo, and planted vines creating a winery soon thereafter. Bodega Norton is the first winery in Argentina south of the Mendoza River. In 1989, Austrian businessman Gernot Langes-Swarovski (of the famed crystal-making family) acquired the winery convinced of the high potential of Argentina. Today, thanks to the top-notch technology and the passion of the people who work there, international accolades abound and uphold Bodega Norton's place as one of the leading and oldest wineries in Argentina. Bodega Norton's “Reserva” line is made from carefully selected grapes from vineyards more than 30 years old. The wine is aged in French oak barrels and then additionally in bottles before release. The harmonious coexistence of fruit and wood over time has made this a great wine, characterized by elegance and complexity. This offering is sourced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Finca La Colonia Luján de Cuyo appellation of Mendoza. After fermentation the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak, and then aged an additional 10 months in the bottle prior to release. The result is an exceptional wine that is very toasty while showing mocha and spice aromatics. There is also plenty of flesh, with lush raspberry, fig and plum notes that follow through on the long, polished finish. Serve at room temperature with crown roast of lamb, veal chops, beef Bourguignon (beef stew Burgundy style), and aged cheeses. Perfect now through 2014.
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