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April 2008 Collector’s Club
2005 Abeja, Cabernet Sauvignon
This is the third April in a row that we’ve featured the Abeja Cab
in our Collector’s Club. How can we not? Winemaker extraordinaire John Abbott
has done it again with his elegant, superbly balanced, and just plain stunning 2005
Cabernet. John is a meticulous craftsman and it shows in all of his wines, if you
can get a hold of them that is - they’re excruciatingly limited. We have just a few
bottles of this one left, at $39.75. At our club tasting, this wine was showing
heavenly already; definitely the hit of the evening. But it could certainly age for
another five to ten years. John suggests pairing this Cab with grilled rib-eye
steak (with roasted pepper salsa), chili, or pot roast. It would be superb with
hearty vegetarian fare as well. We couldn’t fit the Abeja Chardonnay into the club
this year, but we do have some in stock, at $38. It too is stunning - even if you
think you’re not a Chardonnay drinker.
2006 Lucien Albrecht, Pinot Blanc "Cuvée
Balthazar"
The Albrecht family are truly viticultural pioneers in Alsace:
their history as winemakers dates back to the 15th century. Pinot Blanc is the
workhorse grape in Alsace, where it typically produces creamy, medium bodied wines. New
oak is rarely used, in order to put all the focus on the pure fruit flavors of the
wine. This unoaked 100% Pinot Blanc is soft and elegant, with wonderful pear and
peach notes. It is $11.50, it’s ready to drink now, and, thankfully, it is in
good supply. Lightly chilled, this would be a perfect aperitif, or it would pair
with classic Alsatian dishes, or spicy Indian or Thai food. This cuvée was
named for Balthazar Albrecht who, in 1698, relocated to Orschwihr, home of the Lucien
Albrecht estate to this day.
2005 Château Buisson-Redon, Bordeaux
In spite of the effect of the sinking dollar on most imports from
Europe, we still manage to fine excellent wines at remarkable prices. This Bordeaux
comes in at only $9, yet is full of soft, full flavor. A typical right-bank blend,
this wine gets its nice round mouth feel from the Merlot, with a bit of spicy backbone
and soft tannins from the Cabernet Franc. It’s drinking well right now, or you could
hang on to it for a few years, then have it with roast beef, lamb or hearty vegetarian
dishes. We should be able to keep it in stock for a while.
2007 Viña Cono Sur, Cabernet
Sauvignon/Carménère
What a perfect time to be featuring a wine from a winery whose
philosophy is "drink green." Viña Cono Sur voluntarily participates
in a carbon neutral project and has succeeded in offsetting the environmental effect of
producing and shipping its wines by investing in carbon offset projects around the
world. "Plus, they employ eco-friendly practices in every aspect of their winemaking
at home. What about the wines, you ask? Well, many of our customers have
already fallen in love with their Carménère (only $9, when we can keep it
in stock.) Now we are excited to bring in this Cabernet - Carménère,
the first of their 100 percent organically-grown wines. This blend is clean and
crisp, yet wonderfully earthy and spicy and there’s a good supply of it around.
Enjoy it now or over the next three or four years. It would easily stand up to
spicy sauces, strong condiments, most hearty dishes, or strong-flavored cheeses.
All this for only $13.00!
2006 Château Guiraud Bordeaux Blanc Sec
Affectionately dubbed simply "G," this is a great little
white Bordeaux blend (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon) from an estate in Sauternes well known
for its superb sweet wines. This wine combines the refreshing crispness of the
Sauvignon Blanc, with the creamy mouth feel of the Semillon into a golden, aromatic
wine with good acidity and lots of fresh, clean fruit. It would make an excellent
aperitif, or it would go well with a cheese and walnut salad, light soups, or fish.
It should be available for a while and it’s a steal at $16.
2006 Bodegas Atteca, Garnacha de Fuego
Last, but not least: yet another great value wine in this month’s
club. This one is 100% old vine Grenache (Garnacha) from the Calatayud, a wine
region in northeast Spain, and it’s packed with loads of cherry, licorice, and spice.
Have it with tapas, pasta, or your mid-week pizza. We sold out of every extra
bottle we had on hand at our club tasting, but we can get more and it should be in good
supply for the foreseeable future. For flavor and value you can’t beat the $8 price
tag. Like the flames on its label, this one’s hot!
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