Tasting notes, December 22, 2018…Gift Wines

2016 Faury Saint Joseph Blanc

Rhone Valley, France

Regular Price $39.99

Sale price $31.99

Northern Rhone whites are often not very pretty. They may be big and full bodied and dense but seldom beautiful. This blend of Roussanne and Marsanne is gorgeous; rich and full-bodied, yet graceful and nuanced.

2014 Domaine William Fevre Chablis

Montmains Premier Cru

Burgundy, France

Regular Price $59.99

Sale price $47.99

This is Chardonnay, of course, as is all Chablis. And its typical of Chardonnay from Chablis; taut, minerally, lively. It’s also concentrated and deeply flavored and remarkably long. It’s another expression of Chardonnay, far, far different than the California model

2011 Croix Canon Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Bordeaux, France

Regular Price $62.99

Sale price $49.99

Saint Emilion means Merlot, but not the insipid, over cropped stuff coming from California in the 90’s, but rather, Merlot as God intended it; plush, full, rich and tannic. Luxuriate in this wine.

2016 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone

Rhone Valley, France

Regular Price $32.99

Sale price $25.99

On my. Château de Beaucastel is famous for their Châteauneuf-du-Pape and this wine is not that. Bur for a ⅓ of the price, this wine is pretty damn good. Bold, fresh, herbal and expressive, it may be a better food wine than its big brother today.

2015 Pinea ‘17’

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Regular Price $49.99

Sale price $39.99

This wine is the product of a superstar winemaker and superstar golfer. Isaac Fernandez made this wine from 100% Tempranillo and aged it in new oak for 20 months and to honor the first major of Sergio Garcia’s career Only 1100 cases were made, so you won’t find it easily once we’re out of it.

2016 Limerick Lane ‘1023’

Sonoma County, California

Regular Price $74.99

Sale price $59.99

Once upon a time, Sonoma Zinfandels were bold, structured and full throttle, and when blended astutely, world class wines. Then the ripeness became the rule of the day and they became, simple, alcoholic doughnuts (nothing in the middle). This is a throwback to the days when old vine Zinfandel meant more than a headache in the morning.