Interesting Selections for the Summer!

August 12, 2014 Edition

As it heats up, here are a couple of suggestions that you might want to think about. Many years ago (1930’s, 40’s and 50’s) ‘Kir” was a favorite cocktail, served in the greatest restaurants of the world. You can still order Kir, but rarely if ever can you order this drink made of its original and traditional ingredients. I realized that for the first time we had both 2013 Domaine du Prieure Bourgogne de Aligote Blanc and Le Caves De Prieure Bourgogne de Cassis in our store; we decided to make some Kir cocktails.

Aligote was once considered a lesser grape in Burgundy. Currently farmer/winemakers are making a connoisseur level Aligote which cries out to be served with the best oysters and clams on the half shell. Aligote is the traditional white wine used in the mixing of Kir, we use Prieure Aligote. We dropped a few ice cubes (3 per glass) into large stems and then coated the cubes with about an ounce of Prieure Cassis. Cassis is a liqueur (20 % Alc.) made from black currant. The best Cassis comes from Burgundy. Then we added the chilled Aligote (add a lemon twist) and marvel at how wonderful this concoction actually is. The Aligote combined with the intense berry of cassis is a flavor treasure which is enjoyed while stoking the BBQ!
Prieure made 114 cases of Aligote, we have 2 cases. $17.00/btl.
Only 50 bottles of Prieure Cassis de Bourgogne came to the U.S. We have 6 bottles. $28.00/btl.
(1 bottle of Cassis is good for 8 bottles of Aligote)

You can also use the cassis in Balsamic salads, finishing duck and pork, glazing Portobello’s etc. Add it to Manhattans, Sangria, etc. P.S ( I do not drink foo-foo stuff and I could drink this at the pool all day)

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New Arrival

Jacques Copinet Champagne, Disgorged in June 2014

I was sampling the new release of the Multi Vintage Jacques Copinet Reserve, Gold Label Blanc de Blanc Champagne at the distributor. They blended 30 percent young wine with equal portions of reserve level wines from 2000, 2001 and 2002 which are aged in the cellar specifically to create this Copinet “Selection”. The nose is filled with crisp apple aromas and just a hint of limestone on the edge. The bubbles are tight and ever flowing. This release has wonderful effervescence. The flavor profile is complex which one would expect from Champagne made with cellar aged wines as its backbone. Citrus ranging from lemon to lime and finally tangerine are infused into bright apple flavors laced with hints of almond and pistachio. The layering is very complex yet the overwhelming freshness of the bottle is much of its appeal. The 30 percent young wine adds beautiful acidity, this Champagne finishes crisp and clean. The spice and limestone aspects of this Copinet are vibrant. It brings back memories of our visit to Jacques Copinet’s Champagne house last year where we enjoyed Jacques and family and of course his Champagnes.

500 Total cases produced- $56.00/btl.

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New Selection!

2011 Grangeon Chatus- l’Ardeche, Rhone Valley, France

We opened a bottle of the Chatus on Saturday along with a number of 2003 Reserve California Cabernet’s and it held it’s own with these heavyweights. Chatus is one of the rarest wines in the world,this is our third vintage of this obscure grape!! Not much Chatus to be found anywhere in the US, except through Corner Wines!

Chatus is a clone of Pinot Noir, though it has more black and blueberry tones than it has red fruit. Spice and polish combined with a rustic adaption to fruit and a savory tannin layer makes this wine perfect for meats and vegetables with grill char, I know it works with chicken to beef, I intend to try it with smoked salmon.

Drink: 2014 – 2024 91 Points Wine Advocate #210 May 2014

Price $28.00 per bottle- 5% off 6; 10% off 12

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Take Care
Lynda & Jim

August Specials!

2012 Clos du Gaimont Vouvray 2012- Loire Valley, France

Pale yellow in color, the nose reveals typical Chenin Blanc characteristics- floral aromas that are reminiscent of acacias with hints of dried fruit. Fresh notes of green apple and citrus fruit are backed by a mineral edge that leads to a rich, concentrated and well balanced, dry palate.
Price $20.99

2013 Chateau Teulon Roussanne -Côstieres de Nimes, Rhone Valley, France

Gorgeous, with lush mango, creamed pineapple and Cavaillon melon (Cantaloupe). Exuberant and perfumed, with notes of marmalade, buttered citrus and orange rind. Favorite
Price $13.99

Domaine Dominique Cornin Pouilly-Fuisse 2011- Burgundy, France

Lovely hand-harvested Chardonnay. Pale gold in color, with aromas of yellow peach lemon and anise leading up to a palate of exotic fruits and food-friendly acidity. Favorite
Price $20.99

Handley Estate Chardonnay 2012-Anderson Valley, California

The fruit we brought in from the Estate Vineyard contained very little tannins and higher sugars than in recent years, as well. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and some in oak. The resulting wine is complex, with crisp, bright fruit flavors and spicy overtones.
Price $20.99

Chinon La Cuisine Cabernet Franc 2011- Loire Valley, France

100% Cabernet Franc; Delicate yet aromatic traces of blackcurrant bud notes with a hint of toasted bread entice the senses upon first encounter of this elegant wine. The palate reveals tightly wound tannins that seamlessly intermingle with the finesse of the texture. Subtle fruity notes round out on the lingering, silky finish.
Price $22.99

2010 Proulx Marveille Red Blend- Paso Robles, California

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Petite Sirah, 7% Petit Verdot & 7% Zinfandel
Deep purple red in color with well-formed legs; dry, full-bodied that is balanced with a mix of current & black cherry with hints of licorice and sage. Big, rich, supple, lovely in the mouth. Lots of mostly black fruit with fine spice, rosemary, note of tobacco, hint of chocolate
that unfolds into a long, intense finish. Favorite
Price $17.00

Mark Herold Red Blend Flux 2010- California

A blend of 67% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 13% Syrah. It is powerfully vibrant with a surging ripe bouquet of plums, purple strawberries and black pomegranate that gives way to a core of dark cherries, cranberries and violets. Notes of black pepper, tea box, orange peel, and cotton candy combine with a hint of dried sage, suede and a creamy minerality. The entry culminates in an elegant strawberries and cream finish. Enjoy the 2010 Flux well into the next decade.
Price $25.99