Tasting notes: Great value wines, Saturday, April 21, 2018

Domaine des Cassagnoles, Côtes de Gascogne 2016

Regular Price $10.99

Sale price $8.79

This crisp and bright blend of Gros Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard and Ugni Blanc over-delivers. Tangy citrus flavors and mouth watering acidity (along with a screw cap) makes this a perfect poolside quaffer

Château de La Greffière ‘Mâcon la Roche Vineuse’ Vieille Vignes 2016

Regular Price $19.99

Sale price $14.99

This Chardonnay is a custom cuvèe made for the importer, Peter Weygandt. It exhibits the bright fruit typical of the sun-drenched Maconnaise with 100% oak aging, of which only 10% is new. The resulting wine is rich and deep with flavor, character and acidity.

Rousseau Frères ‘Noble Joué’ Rosé, Touraine 2017

Regular Price $17.99

Sale price $13.99

This is the modern re-issuance of a historic wine from Touraine. ‘Noble’ refers to the three ‘noble’ grapes in the blend; Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. It’s a vin gris; what the rest of the world calls rosé, with round peach and berry flavors. Rich and round, you won’t confuse this with its Provencal cousin.

Memo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2016

Regular price: 12.99

Sale Price: $9.99

This is a fresh and rich wine made in Farnese, in Lazio, which is perhaps better known for its capitol, Rome, than its wine. Montepulciano, on the other hand, is well kow, albeit confusing; the grape is not grown in the place, creating two identities that consumers often purchase interchangeably. This one is the grape; bright and crisp with dark cherry aromas and nutmeg and cinnamon hints.

Mas Marer, Montsant 2015

Regular Price $16.99

Sale price $12.99

This wine, made by the renowned Sara Perez, is made from grapes supplied by her workers’ own grapevines. From Montsant, in Catalonia, it’s a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Lots of bold, ripe fruit flavors and impressive depth, this wine packs a punch.

Hyatt Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills, WA 2013

Regular Price $16.99

Sale price $12.99

Washington State’s vineyards mostly sit on the arid plain east of the Cascades, where the long, hot sun filled days are offset by the precipitous temperature drop after sunset. This is a great value Cabernet which shows that unique combination of ripe fruit and tannic structure.