Wine Tasting – May 4
Lemelson Pinot Noir “Thea’s Selection,” Willamette ($44.99) – Lemelson is a long-time Oregon producer (since 1999) and one of the first to establish a reputation for consistently terrific Pinot Noir. Eric Lemelson is an environmental lawyer as well as a passionate advocate for Pinot Noir. His vineyards are all organically farmed. Wine Spectator: 92 “Brisk and generous, with snappy cherry and pomegranate flavors highlighted by oolong tea and savory spices. Concludes with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031.”
Coquelicot Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Barbara, 2021 ($29.99) – Santa Barbara is best known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but that’s only the western part of the region. East-west-oriented hills/mountains funnel the cooling marine influence eastward, but the effect weakens until, at 22 miles inland the climate is too warm for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; however, Syrah and Cabernet do very well! This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (pronounced ko-klee-ko, French for the red poppy flower that dominates the label) is certified ORGANIC and sees no wood. It has an appealing dark, fruit-forward style with a hint of green pepper. It’s unfined, unfiltered, vegan, and a modest 13.6% alcohol.
Recent Tastings
April 27
Chateau Paradis Rosé, Aix en Provence, 2023 ($18.75)
Cascina Pace Langhe Nebbiolo, 2021 ($17.85)
April 20
Tokoeka Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough-New Zealand, 2022 ($21.99)
Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2021 ($20.99)
April 13
Tor del Colle Terre di Chieti Pecorino, 2023 ($13.99)
Melrose Vineyards Parker’s Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley-Oregon ($18.99)
April 6
Château Pey Martin, Médoc, 2019 ($19.99)
Hidden Treasure #4 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley, 2019 (intro price $29.99; reg $39.99)
March 30
Chamisal Stainless (Unoaked) Chardonnay, San Luis Obispo County, 2022 ($19.99)
Domaine le Clos des Lumières L’éclat, Côtes du Rhône, 2020 ($15.49)
March 23
Costers de Priorat Pissarres Blanco, Priorat-Spain, 2021 ($35.99)
Château du Cayrou Cahors “Latour du Cayrou,” 2015 ($26.99)
March 16
Costers de Priorat Pissarres, Priorat-Spain, 2020 ($31.99)
Parducci True Grit Petite Sirah, Mendocino, 2021 ($21.99)
March 9
Château Haut-Batailley Verso, Pauillac, 2020 ($36.99)
Bon Anno Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, 2021 ($33.99)
March 2
90+ Cellars Pinot Noir Lot 137, Willamette Valley, 2022 ($19.69)
Viña Sastre Roble, Ribera del Duero – Spain, 2020 ($22.99)
February 24
Winter en Provence First Press Rosé, Provence-France, 2023 ($15.95)
Viña Sastre Roble, Ribera del Duero – Spain, 2020 ($22.99)
February 17
Soalheiro Alvarinho, 2022 ($21.99)
Azienda Agricola Paitin Barbera d’Alba “Serra,” 2022 ($21.99)
February 10
Josef Fischer Grüner Veltliner Federspiel, Ried Zanzl, Wachau-Austria, 2020 ($17.99)
Amapola Creek Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyards – Sonoma, 2016 ($38.99)
Chateau d’Arche L’Arche Perlee Blanc de Blancs Brut, NV ($19.99)
February 3
De Stefani Redentore Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Venezie-Italy, 2021 ($19.99)
Costa Arènte Valpolicella, Valpantena Superiore, 2019 ($20.99)
January 27
Salchetto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2019 ($25.99)
Karl Fritsch Pinot Noir, Wagram-Austria, 2016 ($39.99)
Keo St. John Commandaria, Cyprus ($29.99/500ml)
January 20
Château Tour Saint Bonnet, Médoc Cru Bourgeois, 2016 ($19.99)
Marqués de Murrietta Rioja Riserva, 2018 ($33.99)
January 13
Hermanos Peciña Rioja Crianza, 2016 ($23.99)
Don Miguel Gascón Malbec, Mendoza-Argentina, 2022 ($14.99)
January 6
Evidência Touriga Nacional Reserva, Dão-Portugal, 2021 ($16.89)
Muga El Andén de la Estación Rioja Crianza, 2019 ($21.99)