Premium 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:
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. Hundred 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
2009 Merlot Mendoza
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. The wine is sourced from 100% Merlot from the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza. It pours a ruby-red color in the glass with intense cherry and raspberries aromas. With a few swirls one may pick up hints of violets and eucalyptus as well. Red fruits come through in the taste with an elegant body of well-balanced tannins. This friendly wine is perfect for pizza night. Try it with lighter meats like veal or pork chops or marinated and grilled vegetable kebabs.
Bulleen Estate - St. Helena, California
2010 Chardonnay California
Made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from various California wine regions most notably Monterey. The naturally cooling Coastal influence, in the form of early morning and late afternoon fog, tempers the acidity in this delightful Chardonnay. A cooler than usual summer allowed the grapes to hang on the vine longer, stretching harvest into late September. The grapes were picked at night to maintain ideal sugar levels and freshness which translates to a brighter, crisper finished wine. After fermentation, the Chardonnay was left in stainless steel tanks until bottling in February of this year. The result is a clear, pale straw yellow Chardonnay. It has abundant aromas of honeysuckle, melon, and tropical fruit. On the palate this wine exemplifies exceptional varietal characteristics. It is dry, crisp, and refreshing with a nice round mouthfeel and showcases citrus flavors of grapefruit and lemon-lime. This wine is enjoyable on its own or pairs nicely with Wild Halibut with a lemon butter sauce, dill Havarti cheese & cracker appetizer or a classic Pizza Margherita. Drink now through 2015.
clean aromas reminiscent of the sea including green apple and flowers. It is crisp and fruity on the palate with flavors of grapefruit and a hint of herbs. Serve chilled as an aperitif or with lighter fare such as shell fish, grilled fish, sautéed chicken, fettuccine Alfredo, or salads. Drink now through 2014.
Back to shopping cart