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Upcoming Events
Free wine Tastings are held weekly on Fridays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., open-house
format. Click here for the wine line-up. |
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Wines
of the Month December 2008 / January 2009
For previous lists of Wines of the Month, please go here.
White
Wines
Simmonet-Febvre Sauvignon St. Bris 2006
 Saint-Bris is an Appelation d’origine Contrôlée(AOC) for white wine in the Burgundy region of France, not far from Chablis. Located around the village Saint-Bris-le-Vineux in the Yonne department, southeast of Auxerre, it is roughly halfway between Paris and Burgundy's heartland in Côte d'Or. The approximately 250 acres of vineyard in the appellation are situated within five different communes.
What makes Saint-Bris something of an oddity for Burgundy is that it is made from Sauvignon grapes, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, rather than the Chardonnay of Chablis and the notable white Burgundies, or the Aligoté of many simpler, easy-drinking whites of the region. Receiving its AOC designation only a few years ago, it is the only AOC that allows Sauvignon in the wines.
This wine has not been part of the Simmonet Febvre lineup for long, and it is reminiscent of a cross between a Loire Valley Sancerre and a crisp Chablis. The wine is a pale straw color with a luminescent quality. Citrus blossoms, minerals and kafir lime leaf aromas dominate the nose. The palate boasts a creamy middle, but lots of bright minerality and a long finish. A fantastic wine as an apertif to enjoy with fresh oysters in the winter months or any shellfish at all.
$10.99
per bottle
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D’Aarenberg Stump Jump White 2006
 Since 1912 the Osborn family has beenmaking wine in McLaren Vale, Australia. Four generations of the Osborn family have been involved in he winery. The third and fourth generations are currently working on the property with a fifth generation waiting in the wings. The wines range from iconic reds to delightful fizzies and stickies; the D’arenberg wines boast a bit for each occasion. The Stumpies are a dynamic duo designed for everyday enjoyment.
The name ‘Stump Jump’ doesn’t relate to the English game of cricket (jumping over the stumps at the end of the game), nor the breeding of livestock held in the stumps but relates to the significant South Australian invention – the Stump Jump plough. The plough soon became a worldwide implement for ploughing fields because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled “mallee” Eucalyptus roots and snags, saving valuable time and energy by not stopping the draught horse.
Their 2006 Stump Jump white is made from 63% Riesling, 16% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Roussane, and 8% Marsanne. This wine has aromas of fresh flowers, cut grass, green melon and lime peel with soft notes of raw almonds. The palate has the ripe flavors of stone fruit
like a Riesling but with a rich texture and a full
earthy finish.
$11.99 per bottle
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Konzelmann Estate Riesling 2007
 Konzelmann Estate Winery, was established in
Canada in 1984 by Herbert Konzelmann, the great grandson of a German winemaker. He chose the site on Lake Ontario because of the micro-climate where the wonderful balance of sun, soil, airflow, and moisture conditions are ideal for the production of cool climate varietals. The protection provided by the nearby Niagara Escarpment, combined with the moderating influence of the lake, provides a longer growing period for the "noble" Vitis Vinifera vines of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay grapes.
An “Indian summer,” often enhances the cool climate viticulture conditions in autumn, allowing for a later harvest, therefore creating a fine acid balance and natural sugar content in the grape. The morning dew that settles on the grapes gives the wines a uniquely delicate and fruity character, comparable to those of the Alsace region of France.
Pleasant nose with definite aromas of apples and peaches with soft pear and a touch of petrol and floral accents as well. On the palate this wine comes alive with definite flavors of ripe Granny Smith apples at first then leads in to apricots, clementines and a bright citrusy finish. This wine is clean and bright with enough complexity to keep astute palates intrigued. An excellent value from our neighbors to the north! Let’s hope this is only the beginning!
$12.99 per bottle |
Red Wines
Terra Andina Carmenère 2006
 Acquired in 2001 by the Claro wine group, Terra Andina is an innovator within the Chilean wine industry. They believe that by blending grapes from different valleys with different micro-climates and soil conditions, they are taking full advantage of the richness and diversity of Chile’s different wine growing regions. This is a whole new approach to terroir and the resulting wines are
exceptional.
Head winemaker Stefano Abrosoli boasts an impressive history, having worked at Cos D’Estournel, Chateau Pavie and Fattoria di Valiano, and he is currently also the head winemaker at Doña Paula in Argentina. Along with fellow winemaker Oscar Salas they bring together the best of old world tradition and modern technology to create unique and distinctly Chilean wine. Their 2007 Carmènere is an elegant and “varietaly true” endeavor. Its richness of color and luscious texture are great for blending, but make stunning wines on their own in Chilean soil. (Once mistaken for Merlot, Carmènere is actually a member of the Cabernet family and considered the lost grape of Bordeaux.)
Dark and deep red with violet hues, the wine shows aromas of black currants blackberries and black pepper. Soft but present tannins give way in to a ripe juicy palate with a spicy finish. This wine is versatile with foods as well as on its own.
$9.99 per bottle
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Pillar Box Red 2006
Pillar Box wines are brought to us from the Henry’s Drive Vignerons. Run by the Longbottom family of Padthaway, they are forging a new family tradition of fine winemaking with brands such as Henry's Drive, Parson's Flat, Dead Letter Office, Pillar Box and The Trial of John Montford. Winemaking team Kim Jackson and Brad May share a passion for making wines that display a real sense of place, and the addition of iconic winemaker Chris Ringland completes the picture.
The 2006 blend of Pillar Box Red displays an opaque red garnet color with vibrant purple hues. The nose is an enticing mixture of vanilla and mint with a hint of smoke at first. Rich dark berry aromas follow. It opens up on the palate to rich wild berries with licorice notes. Flavors of ripe Satsuma plum and dark chocolate combine to create a rich, silky mouth feel, finishing with a spicy oak overlay. This being only the third vintage of the wine didn’t stop them from scoring a 91 from the Wine Advocate! Slip this bottle into a brown bag and have your friends guess the cost, everyone will be shocked!
$12.99 per bottle
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Sella & Mosca Cannonau 2005
 Sella & Mosca's I Piani estate in Sardinia constitutes the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy and counts itself among the country's most impressive wineries. Situated in the northwest corner of Sardinia, this 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres of vines is one of the largest wine estates in Europe. As Sardinia's foremost wine producer, Sella & Mosca is renowned for premium wines made exclusively from estate-grown grapes. The origins of the Cannonau variety are still not known with absolute certainty but it is generally agreed that it appeared on Sardinia, having been brought from Spain, in the 14th century at the beginning of the period of Spanish domination of the island. Numerous experts argue that Cannonau corresponds from an ampelographical standpoint with the Garnacha of Aragon. Cannonau found an ideal habitat on Sardinia and the local growers were so favorable to it that it soon spread to every part of the island. This little known gem from Italy is incredibly versatile and offers immediate charm. The nose is fruity and herbal with aromas of ripe plums, sage and garrigue. The palate is fruit forward with soft oak and ripe berry flavors. A fresh acidity on the finish balances it all out. This wine is perfect for the variety of foods found on most holiday tables.
$13.99 per bottle
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