Platinum Wine Club May 2012
Learn the finer points of all of the incredible wines we deliver, from reviews to food pairings and wine characteristics. All of the wines included in our wine clubs are expertly researched and selected for quality, value and uniqueness.
Álvarez Nölting– Spain
2006 Soledad Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon
Since the foundation in 2004, Álvarez Nölting has been pursuing the goal of being one of the best locally grown and produced wines. Five years later, this small, family-owned winery has settled in Fontanares, an old estate and vineyard, with good soil and unique climatic conditions. Their hand-pruned vintages, traditional winemaking techniques and ageing in new barrels result in their warm and expressive wines, with a distinctly Mediterranean touch. Every day, Álvarez Nölting tries to honor the namesake of their winery, as a tribute to all the friends who believed Valencia was ready to produce wines of the highest quality. The vineyard is located between the Serra Grossa and Agullent. The surface term forms a plateau, called The Alhorines, bordered to the north by the Serra Grossa and to the south by the Serra Agullent whose slopes enter the territory. The climate is continental Mediterranean, characterized by hot and dry summers, and cold and humid winters with snowfall. The vine varieties cultivated in the vineyards are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The 2006 Soledad is a blend of 75% Tempranillo and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon from Álvarez Nölting’s Valencia vineyards. As the label suggests with its metal label, this is a serious wine. Seattle Times wine critic Steve Body calls it “the Darth Vader of your wine shop’s shelves.” This serious wine cleverly bridges New and Old World styles, sending up seductive scents of dried fruits, spices and leather. There is a full onslaught on the palate with flavors of baked plum and blackberry along with dark spices, vanilla and chocolate. The wine closes on a sweet, fruity note, with an echo of smoky oak and impressive length. Drink this impressive offering now through 2016.
Lucas & Lewellan - Solvang, California
2007 Pinot Noir Goodchild High 9 Vineyard
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards is a small, premium, estate winery located in beautiful Santa Barbara County, California. Co-Owner Louis Lucas (The Dirtman) has been growing wine grapes in the region for over 35 years, supplying superior quality fruit to wineries throughout California and beyond. In 1996, Louis joined forces with longtime friend and retired judge, Royce Lewellen to produce their own distinctive wines. Today, Lucas and Lewellen owns 400 acres of land planted to 25 unique varietals in the three major micro-climates of Santa Barbara County: the cool Santa Maria Valley, the moderate Los Alamos Valley, and the warm Santa Ynez Valley. Grapes are sustainably grown and hand-picked under the watchful eye of Louis Lucas and winemaker Megan McGrath Gates, who then nurtures the selected fruit into true wines of distinction. Under the Lucas & Lewellen name, fine Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Port are produced. This is a limited vintage from the highest nine acre block of the Goodchild Vineyard, an outstanding location to grow the superior clone 667. Barrel aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels, this is a dark, ruby colored Pinot with ripe black cherry and dark cocoa characteristics. Hints of tea, spice, and leather accompany blackberry and raspberry flavors. There is a light impression of toasty French oak with a hint of lime zest in a lingering black cherry finish. Case production: 2024. Drink now through 2014.
Tertulia Cellars - Walla Walla, Washington
2011 Viognier Lonesome Spring Vineyard
Tertulia Cellars gets its name from the Latin word Tertulia, which means a social gathering of friends. Their focus is to make wines of quality and distinction from the finest vineyards in the Walla Walla and Columbia Valleys. Their featured wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier. The 2011 growing season started cool and wet. Summer temperatures remained below average. Thankfully very little rain late in the season allowed the fruit to reach ripeness. Lower brix and higher acid made for a classically balanced vintage. This 2011 offering is made from 81% Viognier and 19% Roussanne sourced from Lonesome Spring Vineyard. Viognier is noted for its floral and tropical aromas and round mouth feel and the Roussanne will add complexity with its crisp acidity. The wine was barrel fermented and aged in 100% French oak. It was also fermented between 55 and 60 degrees F. to preserve its aromatics. The wine was Sur Lee aged to promote a richer mouthfeel. On the nose notes of pears, white peaches and apricots spring to life followed by floral aromas and green tea. On the palate bright acidity transforms into a balanced finish. This is a great summer sipping wine, and pairs well with grilled shrimp, scallops, mild flavored fish and poultry dishes. Only 150 cases produced.