Tasting Sept 30 – Oct 1 2022
P&L Borgeot Bourgogne Blanc Clos de La Carbonade Monopole 2019
This wine comes from brothers Pascal and Laurent (“P&L”) Borgeot, two salt-of-the-earth vignerons whose reputation extends well beyond their tiny home village of Rémigny, a little hamlet right on the edge of Chassagne-Montrachet.
“La Carbonade” is a Monopole, meaning a prized single vineyard solely owned by Domaine Borgeot, that lies in the village of Bouzeron, just three miles south of the world’s most expensive Chardonnay plantings – Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, and Meursault.
In fact, when you factor value-for-dollar into the equation, this might be the family’s crown jewel. It challenges everything you think you know about Burgundy’s classifications and pricing structure, and it has something else going for it—hand-farmed, hand-crafted authenticity. This is an amazing value!
Kevin’s Notes – Much like the notes above, I was blown away by this stunning Chardonnay form Burgundy and even more surprised by the price. This is not a wine I would normally by this time year. I would usually wait till late November, but I didn’t want all of us to miss out as the availability is limited. Price $30.99 – Mix/Match 3 btls $27.89
L’Ecole No 41, Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Yakima Valley, WA
L’Ecole N° 41 is a third generation family-owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label. Founded in 1983, we were the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley.
L’Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State and has garnered national and international accolades over the years for producing superior quality wines. We are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year fifteen times.
Taste: This fresh and vibrant Chenin Blanc shows highly expressive aromatics of citrus blossom, passion fruit, pink grapefruit, and peach with flavors of yellow apple and pear on a crisp dry finish.
Kevin’s Notes: I absolutely adore the complexity of flavor. It’s a tantalizing wine with expressive stone fruit and the acidity is perfect. We sold a lot over the summer. Price $19.99 – Mix and Mtch 3 bottles $17.99
Scar of the Sea Bassi Vineyard Co-Ferment of Pinot Gris – Pinot Noir 2021 – Biodynamic
Winery Notes about the wine – “The Pinot Noir and Gamay plantings are from the Topotero Vineyard, located just 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean. 2021 was the first year that the Topotero Vineyard started to convert their farming practices towards certified biodynamic farming. The 2 varieties were picked, foot tread, and whole bunch pressed separately, then fermented with native yeast in old French oak barrels.
The wine was aged on lees for 7 months then racked and blended before bottling. This wine was bottled with minimal sulfur and without filtration. 192 cases were produced.
Think dry flowers, blood orange, light & perfumed with island inspiration”
Kevin’s Notes – One of the innovative winemakers since 2013, Mikey & Gina Giugn, this wine show truly displays their innovative spirit and willingness to push the envelope. I love this wine, but they only made 240 cases so it will not be around for very, especially after this tasting. Price $29.99 – Mix and Match 3 bottles $26.99
Montepeloso Costa Toscana, Italy IGP ” A QUO” 2020
Montepeloso draws from hillside vineyards around the town of Suvereto. The zone’s petrified clay soils, and its proximity to the sea, give a startling intensity of flavor to wines. It’s little wonder that a half dozen estates have sprung up over the past 20 years though, by contrast, most are planted in the heavier clays of the valley floor.
The Wine is a complicated blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet, Marselan, Montepulciano
Vinous – 91 points Antonio Galloni: “The 2020 A Quo is an absolutely gorgeous, entry-level offering from Montepeloso. It provides generous red berry fruit, crushed flowers, mint, blood orange and leather, all in a mid-weight, exuberant style that is so appealing. Drink it over the next decade. (Jul 2022).”
Kevin’s Notes – I use to buy this wine from Rare Wine Import Company as wine buyer for a wholesaler. It’s wonderful to see how these vineyards and this wine has improved from 20 years ago. I was extremely happy to be able to offer to my customers as a retailer now. You’re going tyo love it as it’s a significant bargain. Price $22.99 – Mix and Match 3 bottles $20.69
