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July 2008 Collector's Club
2006 Cadence, Coda
We're huge fans of Ben Smith's wines. An alum of the Boeing Wine and
Beer Makers Club, Ben is now one of the most respected winemakers in the state. He made his
first Coda blend in 2002, using declassified barrels that didn't make it into his
single-vineyard wines. At $25, this is a fabulous introduction to Ben's higher end wines,
which we've featured in the Washington Wine Club. This year's blend is 32% Petit Verdot,
30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot, from Tapteil, Ciel du Cheval
and, for the first time, their own Cara Mia vineyards. Ben suggests decanting, if you plan
to drink it soon, or holding onto it for a few years. It definitely opens up and develops
once it's been open for an hour or so. Then enjoy with meat dishes, or hearty fare.
(Don't delay - this one won't last long.)
2005 Bodega Don Olegario, Albariño, Rķas Baixas
Rķas Baixas is the leading wine zone in Galicia, located on the
Atlantic coast of Spain, just north of Portugal, and its reputation is primarily based
on one grape: Albariño. Aromatic, elegant, vibrant, and seductive, Albariño
is one of most sought-after Spanish dry white wines and this one, from Bodega Don Olegario,
is a beautiful example. It sees no oak, and is a refreshing combination of bright fruit,
a soft, honey mouthfeel and good acidity. A great alternative when you want something besides
the same-old, same-old white wine. At $19.75, it's in good supply, is ready to drink now,
and is a perfect match for fish or chicken, or a seafood paella.
NV Trevisol, Prosecco Frizzante
This Prosecco comes from the Trevisol family, via our friends at
Small Vineyards. We've always carried their regular "spumante" Prosecco, in both
white and Rosé, but this is the first time we've brought in their traditional
frizzante-style version. Light and dry, with small, delicate bubbles, this Prosecco is
clean and refreshing - perfect for sipping on warm afternoons, or to pair with light
summer fare, such as oysters, chicken, or fresh fruit. At $13 it's easy to love, but don't
get too attached; it's one of Small Vineyards' direct imports, so it may be somewhat
limited. Enjoy it this summer.
2006 Le Rote, Chianti Colli Senesi
Here's another new direct import from Small Vineyards. The Le Rote
estate is located in the town of San Gimignano in Tuscany and their Vernaccia has long been
one of our core wines. As the region's mainstay varietal, much of the local land is devoted
to this white grape. But the Scottis, recognizing that their terroir is very similar to
that of nearby Chianti Classico, are determined to produce Sangiovese-based wines that
rival those of the more famous DOC next door. This Chianti Colli Senesi is evidence that
they're well on their way to success. Made from 90% Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Malvasia
Nero, this wine is dark and smooth, with good tannins, and a nice, clean finish. It was a
big hit at our Thursday club tasting. They made only 585 cases, and we have a decent
supply, at $14.
2007 Château Grande Cassagne, Costières de Nîmes
Rosé
Our calendar says it's summer, the thermometer is finally agreeing,
and our stockroom is filled with the annual shipment of Bobby Kacher Rosés so it's
time to put one in the club! This month we're featuring the Château Grande Cassagne
Rosé. Located in the Costières de Nîmes, on the western edge of the
Rhône valley, the Grande Cassagne vineyards are planted on an ancient riverbed filled
with cailloux, the rounded, weathered stones that characterize the vineyards in this region.
This year's blend is 60% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 5% Mourvèdre, and we have lots
left, at $11. Wonderfully concentrated and bone dry, it's a great summer quaffer, with or
without food.
2005 Doña Paula, Cabernet Sauvignon
Here's another great wine value from Argentina. The Mendoza region,
in the foothills of the Andes, produces wines of great balance, concentration and
flavor. The high altitude, thin air, intense sunlight, and cool evenings, combine to ripen
the grapes slowly and completely, without over-ripening. This Cabernet Sauvignon,
from Doña Paula, is made from grapes grown at 3300 feet, in the Luján de Cuyo
region, in the upper Mendoza valley. It's $13 and would be a great match for roasts,
hearty casseroles, pasta, cheese dishes, or couscous.
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