Category Archives: Wine

We’ve gone outside the box for this one!

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1. Château La Mascaronne, Quat Saisons Rose 2018

Château La Mascaronne is owned by Tom Bove.  He was born and raised in Indiana. The 72-year-old American engineer and businessman–turned–wine producer continues to buy and restore neglected Provence wine estates such as this Chateau.

Bove has a rare touch. In 1993, he convinced his family to buy Provence’s historic Château Miraval, and the majestic 18th-century manor, and converted it to organic farming and winemaking. In 2012, he sold the 1,000-acre package for $60M to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.  With the money, he turned his attention to the acquisition and revival of Chateau La Mascaronne.

This rose is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache grapes.

Education:  What is Cinsault?  Cinsaut (often spelled Cinsault) is a dark-skinned grape variety traditionally used as a blending partner for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre as part of the classic Southern Rhone blend. In rosé it provides aromatics, acidity and bright fruit flavors.  It’s simply a great rosé grape! Cooper’s Price $22.99

2. Walter Scott 2017 Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley

Freedom Hill Vineyard is tucked into the coast range on a gentle southeast slope. Protected from the Van Duzer coastal winds, this vineyard has a warmer climate than the rest of the Eola-Amity Hills. The soils here are a sedimentary, uplifted seabed and are thought to be among the oldest in the region. This soil, combined with the microclimate and meticulous farming, consistently produces very structured wines.

Tasting Notes:  The 2017 Freedom Hill Chardonnay has delicate aromas of fennel, yellow flowers and mixed citrus; there is an emphasis on Meyer lemon with a hint of smoke lingering on the finish. The palate is a balance of density and elegance, with juicy acidity and a stony mineral finish.   

Kevin’s Notes:  This is BIG NEWS, we only have two cases of this amazing wine, but depending on our sales this weekend, but we may get more.  Trust me, there isn’t wine shop in the country tasting this wine. This is first vintage of this Chardonnay from this amazing vineyard.  Only 200 cases were produced! Cooper’s Price $49.99

Wild Roots All Natural Infused Vodkas

Wild Roots Distillery Infused Vodka offers all-naturally infused spirits. Utilizing the flavorful and abundant fruit from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Wild Roots Distillery’s Apple and Cinnamon, Raspberry, Marionberry, Pear, and the NEW Huckleberry infused vodkas taste as fresh and ripe as nature intended. 

Starting with a 5x distilled, and 5x filtered, grain-based vodka, each bottle of Wild Roots is infused with over a pound of all-natural Northwest-grown fruit. The flavors are bold, rich, and native to this idyllic region.  

Pear Basil Martini:  PEAR-BASIL MARTINI                                   

1.5 oz Wild Roots Pear Vodka

.5 elderflower liqueur

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz simple syrup

2 basil leaves

In a shaker with ice, muddle basil and a wedge of lemon. 

Add remaining ingredients and shake until icy and strain into a martini glass with pear wedge garnishes.

HUCKLEBERRY LEMONADE

2 oz. Wild Roots Huckleberry Vodka

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Serve over ice with lemon slices

These wines are stunners!

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1. Domaine Lelievre, Côtes de Toul Gris de Toul 2018 

The Region – Cote de Toul:  Roughly half way between Champagne and Alsace, in s straight line between Paris and Strasbourg, is the Côtes de Toul.  Grapes have been grown there since the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.

Wine Education:  Vin Gris = Gamay Noir (the most common grape variety in Cotes de Toul) and Pinot Noir as the main grape variety. For Vin Gris, at least two grape varieties must be used, and the major grape variety is not allowed to exceed 85%. At least 10% Pinot Noir must be used, and the total proportion of accessory grape varieties is not allowed to exceed 15%.  This wine is made from Gamay and Pinot Noir.  

More Education:  All rose wines are made from grapes that are blue, purple, or red.  All wine gets their color from the grape skins.  In other words, if you clip a bunch of Cabernet grapes and squeeze them the juice will be clear like 7-Up.  If you allow minimal amount of skin contact time the wine will be rose.  Regular Price $19.99 Cooper’s Price $16.99

2. Theorize Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2016

About Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape planted throughout the world, and may also be labeled as Fumé Blanc.  It is the grape variety used in making the ever popular Sancere in Loire, France.  Sancerre is a small wine district in central France, famous for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc.  It is also blended with Semillon to make White Bordeaux and the dessert wines of Sauterne and Barsac.  

Winemaking: This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.  Fermentation: 50% was fermented in stainless steel tanks and 50% was barrel fermented.  Aging: Aged 8 months, 80% French Oak (10% New oak barrels) and 20% stainless steel.  8 months on heavy lees stirred once every other week.  Lees = dead yeast cells and other particles remaining in a wine after fermentation. They settle as sediment at the bottom of the fermenting container.  Stirring the juice on the lees adds texture, weight and aromatics to the wine.  Its very labor intensive.

Taste Notes:  Color:  Shiny gold.  Nose/Smell:  Explosive lychee, peach, apricot and white flowers wrapped in subtle toasted almond.  Taste:  Crisp yet rich texture from the lees and barrel fermentation – flavors are indicative to the aromatics.  Fantastic complexity with restraint towards the use of the oak.  Regular Price $26.99  Cooper’s Price $17.99, while supplies last

3. Yves Cuilleron Syrah ‘Les Vignes d’a Cote’ 2017

The Cuilleron family domaine, located in the hamlet of Verlieu in Chavanay (in northern Rhone) was founded in 1920.  Yves grandfather was the first to bottle wine from this region for commercial purposes.  Domaine Cuilleron are famed in the Northern Rhone for stunning Syrah and Condrieu in an impressive portfolio. They’re very well known in classic Northern Rhone appellations such as Cote-Rotie and St Joseph. 

The region – Collines Rhodaniennes: Is in Northern Rhone.  The landscape is characterized by the hills and valleys that surround the Rhône River.  The soil is granite.

Winemaking: 100% Syrah.  The grapes are harvested by hand and destemmed at harvest.  Fermentation is in open-top cuvees with two week maceration.  Maceration = Is the winemaking process where the phenolic materials of the grape—tannins, coloring agents and flavor compounds—are leached from the grape skins, seeds and stems into the must. Aged eight months is stainless and barrel.
Critic review:  Bright purple. Ripe cherry, blackberry and violet on the perfumed nose. Round and fleshy but lively as well, offering dark fruit, allspice and cracked pepper flavors that pick up a smoky note on the back half. Deftly blends power and energy and finishes smooth and long, with ****** gentle tannins coming in late. Josh Raynolds, vinous.com  Cooper’s Price $21.99

4. Chateau Couronneau Bordeaux Superior 2015

This is 100% Merlot wine from Château Couronneau, an estate certified organically and biodynamically since 2009 and 2011 respectively

Wine Education: Bordeaux Superieur wines are, as their name implies, a slightly “superior” form of standard Bordeaux AOC wines.  The key differences lie in the vineyards, which must meet higher planting densities; the more vines there are the harder each has to fight for survival, resulting in stronger, deeper root systems and healthier vines. The maximum yield per hectare obtained from the vineyards is also 10 percent lower for the supérieur wines.

Tasting Notes: Color: dark purple Nose/Smell: black raspberries, black cherry and violets. Taste: dark black fruit, subtle spice, rich full-bodied and dense texture through the mid-palate with firm, but approachable tannins.  Overall:  Fantastic value.  2015 is regarded as an excellent vintage!  

What is biodynamic to wine?  Biodynamic viticulture is the practice of balancing this resonance between vine, man, earth and stars. Essentially, biodynamics is a holistic view of agriculture.  Regular Price $22.99 Cooper’s Price $19.99

A tasting rich in history!

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April 26th, 2019 

6 Bar California Methode Champenoise Brut

Education:  Methode Champenoise, also known as Methode Traditionelle, is the conventional method used in the Champagne region of France to produce sparkling wine. It’s a labor-intensive process whereby wine undergoes a secondary fermentation inside the bottle, creating bubbles. “Brut” is a term applied to the driest sparkling wines. Brut wines contain less residual sugar than those labeled dry or extra dry. Extra Brut denotes a wine that’s extremely dry, sometimes totally dry, and may called Brut Nature or Brut Integral.

This wine:  6 Bar refers to the amount of pressure the cork is under, which means that it can fly out at speeds up to 60mph! 

Varietals:Traditional Champagne varietals.(Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier)

Profile:  Bright aromas of bread dough and white fruit, smooth mousse-like flavors, and a tingling finish.

Regular $16.99 Cooper’s Price $12.99 

Chateau de la Font du Loup Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2017

Education:  What is Chateauneuf-du-Pape? It is one of the most renowned appellations of the southern part in the Rhône Valley. The name literally translates to “new castle of the Pope”, which originates when the Pope moved to Avignon in 1309. The move was due to issues between the King of France and the Papacy. 8 different Popes served in Avignon, and the Papacy remained in Chateauneuf du Pape until 1378.

The wine:  The vineyards are nearly pure sand, and at one of the highest altitudes (cooler climate) within the region, which lends itself to a wine of high spirit and elegance.

Varietals:  Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc. 

Profile:  Aromas of toasted almonds and brown butter, hints of yellow flowers and forest floor. The texture is intriguingly viscous, yet structured, with great weight. This wine will benefit from a little decanting or just let it open up in your glass. 

Cooper’s Price $49.99

Orchard Lane New Zealand Pinot Noir

Education:  In past centuries the Māori people hunted Moa (large flightless birds) here and cultivated vast Kumara crops in the year round sunshine. Early European settlers established New Zealand’s pastoral industry on the fertile rolling hills of the river valleys. In 1873, long before the modern day vintners recognized the extraordinary potential of the region, pioneering Scottish farmer and grape grower David Herd, planted Marlborough’s first vineyard. It was to be another 100 years before that vision took root with the development of viticulture in Marlborough on a commercial scale.

The wine:  Small batch fermented from hand harvested fruit. 100% Pinot Noir.

Profile:  The wine is gently lifted on the nose displaying red/black cherry, game and mixed spice characters. The palate is juicy and bright with smooth texture and soft tannins, making the finish silky and appealing.

Cooper’s Price $18.99

Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico

Education:  Chianti Classico is a DOCG in Tuscany, a region that has been making wine for over 3000 years. The expression “Classico” suggests this region is the origin of the primary Chianti grape, Sangiovese. DOCG = Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita. In 1980 the Italian wine board took quality control even one step beyond the regular DOC, creating DOCG. The G means the wine was submitted to governmental controlled tasting panel and they absolutely guarantee the stylistic authenticity of a wine. DOCG wines make up only 1-3% of all Italian wine produced. The wines must be at least 80% Sangiovese, the remaining 20% being other grapes, including native, Canaiolo and Colorino, as well as other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The wine:  198 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards of which, only 88, are Chianti Classico. This winery has been in existence since the middle ages.

Varietals: 90% Sangiovese 10% Merlot

Profile:  Genuine and characteristic expression of Sangiovese. Ruby red color, intense and dense. The nose is wild fruit, sour cherry, dried herbs and leather. Dry decisive flavor, balanced by the delicate sweetness of the French oak barrel.

Regular $22 Cooper’s Price $19.99

Four wines, four countries, one great tasting!

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April 19th, 2019 

Anne Amie “Cuvee A” Willamette Rose – Midnight Saignee is a dry, deeply fruity wine, layered with complex Pinot noir character. A saignee requires timing and balance, and like much of harvest, the right moment often occurs late at night. We produce a limited amount of this wine each year, using the saignée technique and fermenting in neutral French oak barrels. Grapes were hand-picked, meticulously hand sorted, then destemmed into open top, stainless steel fermenters. The must was cold-soaked for five days. On the 2nd day, the fermenters receive a saignee (bleeding off a small percentage of juice) in order to concentrate flavors (and control alcohol levels). This rosé wine is a blend of all of our pinot noir saignée lots, representing multiple vineyards and AVAs. Each lot was racked to neutral French oak barrels and barrel fermented using multiple yeast cultures. It was fermented to dryness and allowed to remain on the lees until blending. Aromas of lemon meringue, starfruit, kumquat, and flint. Flavors of Japanese plum, grapefruit, feijoa, and Meyer lemon. Regular $18 Cooper’s Price $15.99 

Raeburn Russian River Chardonnay – Born and raised in Bakersfield California, Derek Benham entered the wine industry immediately after graduation from college.  In 1990 Derek and his brother founded the Codera Wine Group and created the Blackstone brand; in 2001 they sold Blackstone, dissolved Codera, and created the Purple Wine Company based in Graton California. Derek started the Raeburn Winery only in 2014, as a nod to classic California Chardonnay. The wine is elegant and expressive, with bright fruit character and creaminess;  it was aged on the lees for six months for enhanced complexity, flavor and texture. This lovely and lingering white impresses from start to finish, showing a wealth of pear and peach flavors within an inviting jasmine aroma. It finishes in swift teases of wild vanilla and subtle oak.Regular $20 Cooper’s Price $18.99

Laura Lorenzo Camino de La Frontera Tinto – Arribes is a dramatic region bordering the Duero River where it slices Portugal from Spain. Its remoteness seems to be its allure, to Lorenzo, who is a vineyard whisperer and well regarded for bringing back wild, or lost historic vines, and creating exciting wines with them. In Camino de la Frontera, Laura Lorenzo finesses the indomitable local variety Juan Garcia, co-planted and co-fermented with Tempranillo, Bobal, Rufete, Mencía, Garnacha, and more from 100-130 year-old vines in the town of Fermoselle. A wonderful mix of tangy fresh fruits and natural earthy elements with a lighter frame, with firm tannins somewhat reminiscent of Nebbiolo, while unfamiliar in a way that makes it gloriously new and riveting with every sip. This wine follows Laura’s style of allowing these ancient vines to speak in their own voices, with native yeast fermentation in tank, no manipulation, and very low sulfur. Medium body, this delicately hued red is full of interest, starting on the nose with floral tones, moist earth, and wild herbs. Brooding, structured black and purple bramble fruit leads to a velvety palate with grilled fennel, salty black licorice, finishing with flint/gravelly elements, saddle leather, currant, herbal tea spices and faint flower blossom. This wine gets more generous with food and time in the glass, bringing a riper profile forward and becomes more textural in mouth-feel.Regular $32 Cooper’s Price $29.99 

Rigo Barbera d’Alba – Located in Diano d’Alba, in the heart of the Langhe region, all their wines are cultivated and produced, respecting the CEE Environmental Protection Agency rules. The Rigo Wines Estate is a family run company, managed bt Silvano and his father Secondo, who started the project. The vineyards cover a total area of approximately 10 hectares and are located mostly in the “Sori Piadvenza” at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level.Barbera is one of the Italian varieties that is sought-after around the world. This particular example is wonderfully different and expertly crafted. Usually, Barbera is heavily oaked, to allow the wines to have long aging potential. But what many don’t know is that it also makes fresh, balanced and elegant wines that drink superbly at a younger age. This particular example is made to be enjoyed young. Intense ruby red color, with floral aromas leading way to a palate of strawberry and cherry, soft tannins yet full-bodied with hints of liquorice, and herbs.Cooper’s Price $17.99

Spring in this weekend and enjoy these lovely wines!

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The lineup…

Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna – Argiolas is the foremost wine estate on the island of Sardinia producing archetypal wines from native varietals. The winery was founded in 1938 by Antonio Argiolas and was the first on the island to pursue quality over quantity. Today, the Argiolas family is recognized as Sardinia’s leading wine producer. Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies roughly 190 miles west of Italy’s mainland. The vineyards of Argiolas are located in Serdiana in the Trexenta hills just north of the capital of Cagliari. Argiolas farms 600 acres of native Sardinian grapes including Nuragus, Monica, and Cannonau.

Costamolino, named after the area, is made from Vermentino, an aromatic white grape variety that thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Sardinia. The grapes are harvested in August and September and vinified in stainless-steel tanks to retain acidity. A small percentage sees malolactic fermentation to give the wine roundness and texture.

Vermentino often shows the fragrance of macchia, the mix of evergreen shrubs and herbs that typifies the Sardinian landscape. Costamolino hints at aromas of pine and mint coupled with ripe stone fruit and sweet citrus. The palate is at once vibrant and textural and finishes with lingering acidity.

Regular $19.99 Cooper’s Price $15.99 

Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna – Argiolas is the foremost wine estate on the island of Sardinia producing archetypal wines from native varietals. The winery was founded in 1938 by Antonio Argiolas and was the first on the island to pursue quality over quantity. Today, the Argiolas family is recognized as Sardinia’s leading producer of wine.

Costera, a name referring to hills, is made from Cannonau (Garnacha or Grenache). It is the workhorse red grape of Sardinia where it is likely to have arrived centuries ago from Spain, although an alternative theory suggests that Cannonau originated in Sardinia. In either case, Cannonau is well-adapted to the warm Sardinian climate and gives a deeply-colored, full-bodied red wine.

Costera shows the typicity of the Cannonau grape with flavors of very ripe strawberries, black cherries, herbs, and spices. The warmth and intense sunlight of southern Sardinia can be seen and felt in the wine with unexpectedly deep color and fullness on the palate. French oak barriques provide rounded tannins and flavors of vanilla.

Regular $19.99 Cooper’s Price $15.99 

Jolie Laide Barsotti Vineyard Gamay – Jolie Laide is a one-man operation based in Sebastopol, CA, where winemaker Scott Schultz makes only 500 cases of wine a year under his own label. The name Jolie-Laide translates loosely to “Pretty-Ugly”, a French term of endearment to describe something that is unconventionally beautiful. Scott makes some of the most unique and highly sought-after wines in California that are true to their name. He works with Wind Gap, Ryme Cellars, Pax, and formerly, Arnot-Roberts. They all share, both a winemaking space, and similar philosophies in discovering unconventional beauty.

This Gamay is grown at high elevation in the beautiful red grinitic soils of the Sierra Foothills. Picked in two separate passes, one early and one a bit later makes for a wine that is a bit riper and fleshed out than in years passed. The clusters are left whole and started by carbonic maceration, which lends its distinctive high tone appeal but eventually crushed by foot and finished whole cluster for skin contact and extraction. Pressed to neutral barrique for a short 6 month elevage and bottled young to preserve delicate aromatics. Light, fresh and utterly charming. Wild strawberry and summer herbs with cranberry tartness. 

Regular $35.99 Cooper’s Price $29.99 

Hess Collection Allomi Cab Sauv – Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse microclimates and soils uniquely suited to wine grape growing. It is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world and for our Napa Valley wines we look to our estate vineyards and select growers throughout the valley to source the very best wine grapes. The Hess Collection wines are family owned, sustainably farmed and dedicated to reflecting a true sense of place.

Allomi is named in honor of the original Spanish land grant in Napa County which the native Patwin people lent their name – Rancho Locoallomia. The Allomi vineyard lies in the gently rolling hills of northeastern Napa Valley, where the combination of long, warm growing seasons with well-drained soils create the optimal ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 210-acre vineyard is sustainably farmed and grows 35 unique growing blocks with six different Cabernet clones.

On the nose, this wine delivers intriguing vegetal aromas with hints of mushroom and forest floor. On the palate, Allomi Cabernet is known to deliver moderate, well-integrated tannins and a round, plush mouthfeel making it one of the most popular Napa offerings. A wonderful brightness of raspberry and red plum delight the mid-palate, and these flavors are supported by a subtle oak spice that adds to the personality of the wine.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot

Regular $32.99 Cooper’s Price $29.99

Luxurious wines for your weekend, or your cellar!!!

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1.Nortico Alvarinho – Ask anyone for the best Alvarinho in Portugal and people will point to the extreme north to the sub-region of Moncao and Melgao, right on the border with Spain. Nortico Alvarinho is a superb example of the grapes hallmarks: fresh citrus, peach and tropical fruit aromas paired with clean, juicy fruit and vibrant minerality. Nortico is produced on the south bank of the Minho River in plots so small they are called “jardins”, or gardens in Portuguese. Soils here are granite and schist and although there is plenty of rainfall (2,000 ml annually), the inland area is a little warmer than the coastal plantings, allowing for perfect maturation. 100% Alvarinho. Sustainably grown vines. This is a young, fresh white wine with the characteristic bright acidity and aromas of peach and grapefruit. Creamy citrus oil, lime and yellow apple notes are nicely spiced and detailed with saline mineral and floral underpinnings through the long finish. At only 12.5 % alcohol, Nortico is light and delicate, lovely as a “porch-sipping wine” to drink on its own. Have it simply with corn bread and butter like country folks do in Portugal. Also a terrific seafood wine, particularly with salty, fattier dishes like fish tacos or broiled oysters.

Regular $14.99, Cooper’s Price $12.99

2. Thierry Germain “Les Roches” Samur Champigny Cab Franc — Thierry’s domaine, Roches Neuves, whose vineyards are planted in the Saumur (Blanc) and Saumur-Champigny (Rouge) appellations, has rightfully become one of the greatest examples of high achievement in biodynamic vine growing in France. Thierry relocated to the Loire from Bordeaux in the early 1990s, and soon fell under the influence of his spiritual father, Charly Foucault of Clos Rougeard. Thierry would ultimately convert his entire domaine to biodynamic viticulture, which was the equivalent of his wine epiphany. Listening and observing his plants, allowing them to guide him, revolutionized his way of thinking. Thierry harvests on the relatively early side to preserve fresh, vibrant fruit. His goal is to produce Cabernet with purity, finesse, and drinkability, while avoiding rusticity, vegetal character, and hard tannins. His incredibly diverse terroirs are translated with utter clarity and precision. 100% de-stemmed, and fermentation in stainless steel tank for 8 to 10 days. Light pump-overs during fermentation—meant to infuse the grapes not extract them. Aged in stainless steel and wood tanks on fine lees, without sulfur, for 3 to 4 months. Thierry’s style of Cabernet Franc emphasizes soaring red fruit aromatics, plush and silky textures, and racy acidity. Sounds pretty good, right? It isn’t your grandmother’s rustic, furry, tannic, bretty Cab Franc, that’s for sure. Biodynamic agriculture, no trimming of the vine shoots, early picking, and aging in large barrels are a few of his keys to success. Les Roches is Thierry’s entry-level Cab Franc for barbecues and general everyday gladness.

Regular $28.99, Cooper’s Price $25.99

3. Rivale Rosso Toscana – This is a well-situated estate on the ‘north slope’ of the Montalcino hill, located just below the village of Montalcino. Casanuova delle Cerbaie is comprised of 15 hectares, 10 of which are under vine. The vineyards are located at approximately 300 metres above sea level and grow on the prestigious hill of Montesoli. The estate’s sure-handed enologist, Paolo Vagaggini (a Montalcino fixture who’s worked with a host of top estates, including Fuligni, Il Palazzone, and Biondi-Santi) favors a woodsy, savory style of Sangiovese aged in larger Slavonian oak barrels crafted by the Austrian cooperage Stockinger. This Sangiovese based blend has very appealing smokey herbal notes with subtle cherry tones. Well balanced silky tannins, and nice texture make this wine great food companion. 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 10% Colorino, 10% Petit Verdot.

Cooper’s Price $18.99

4. Ca del Baio Vallegrande Barbaresco – Valgrande or Vallegrande is a cru in the commune of Treiso. A small domaine with deep roots in Piemonte. The Grasso family has been making wine in Barbaresco since the 1880’s. Giulio and Luciana Grasso, fourth generation wine makers, are now running the family business with the help of their daughters Paola, Valentina and Federica. They maintain their traditional values with particular attention to the vines, especially during pruning, crucial for yield control and fruit quality. The use of herbicides and fertilizers in the vineyards was banned long ago and only natural yeasts are used for fermentation. Ca’ del Baio has a number of Nebbiolo vineyards on the Vallegrande cru, covering an area of 3 hectares in all. They face west, and produce the estate’s Barbaresco DOCG Valgrande. A traditional Barbaresco, grown on vineyard sites planted in 1967. Is aged – as in the past – only in large casks. It represents the elegance of Barbaresco at its very best, without flaunting the muscle of Nebbiolo. Traditional, stem-free, on-the-skins fermentation, for 7 to 15 days in steel at a controlled temperature. The wine matures for 24 months in casks made of Slavonian Oak, and is then cellared for 6 months in the bottle prior to release. Garnet red in the glass, intense aromas with powerful, deep fruit, dried flowers, new leather and underbrush. The firm palate offers dried black cherry, raspberry jam and licorice flavors alongside taut, fine-grained tannins and firm acidity.

Regular $44.99 Cooper’s Price $36.99

An elegant, cultured and diverse tasting!!!

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Casa de Valor Brut Nature Cava – Cava is a sparkling wine from the Denominación de Origen  (DO) status from Catalonia, also produced in other regions of Spain. 95% of all Cava is produced in the Penedès area in Catalonia. Cava can be white or rose. Only wines produced in méthode champenoise may be labeled Cava, those produced in other ways must be labeled sparkling wine. This is a dry, non dosage Brut Nature

50% Xarel-lo 25% Macabeo 25% Parellada (zero dosage), from 15 to 35 year old vines with grapes farmed and hand harvested by a third generation family. Aged 14 months on the lees in the bottle before disgorgement

The nose of revealing hints of citrus, orchard fruits and white flowers on the nose. Crisp, bright acidity and fresh citrus fruits, reminiscent of lemon cake. On the palate, there’s an attractive interplay of candied lemon and crisp acidity. Lively mousse and properly dry finish, but no hard edges. Cooper’s Price $14.99 

Ferrari-Carano Tre Terre Russian River Chardonnay – Don and Rhonda Carano founded Ferrari-Carano in 1981. They were introduced to the beauty of Northern Sonoma County in 1979, and eventually purchased a 60-acre parcel in the Alexander Valley. Those vineyards piqued their curiosity about winemaking, and as a result, they began taking classes on enology and viticulture at the University of California, Davis. Realizing the potential that this area held, the Caranos began to acquire additional vineyard land, and  ground was broken for the winery in Dry Creek Valley in 1985. The first wines bearing the Ferrari-Carano label were released in 1987. In 2015, Ferrari-Carano’s 24 vineyards earned California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certification for their numerous efforts to preserve the land while producing memorable, sustainable wines of outstanding quality. Each lot for this wine is hand harvested, whole‐cluster pressed, then barrel fermented with native and cultured yeast. The wine completes 96% malolactic fermentation and is aged on lees and stirred weekly for 9 months. The wine is barreled again in neutral oak until bottling. This is a delicious, full‐bodied Chardonnay with aromas and flavors of Meyer lemon, apple, graham cracker, creamy marshmallow, stonefruit, brown sugar and spice, with bright fruit, nice acidity and a long, lingering finish. This wine’s rich fruit component complements mildly spiced vegetarian dishes and rich, creamy shellfish entrées. It also works well with veal, poultry, pasta and rice. Cooper’s Price $19.99 

Cantine Povero Barbera d’Asti – Cantine Povero began to bottle wine in 1964 but Povero family members have always been winemakers. Their 45 hectares of vineyards are located in Piemonte, around Cisterna d’Asti: this very central position allows them to produce a wide range of typical wines of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero areas. The third generation is now managing this promising enterprise, following the production process, from the grape to the bottle. Respecting nature is the keyword, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The careful work in the vineyards together with the innovative technologies used for the vinification process allow them to reach high quality standards with affordable prices. Povero’s ambition is to showcase the flavors and emotions of their wines, which express the uniqueness of their land.Deep ruby red in color with mild and fruity flavors on the palate. Full bodied with velvety and pleasantly dry tannins. This is a highly flexible wine that is superb with meat dishes. Excellent during the first year following the vintage. Cooper’s Price: $10.99

Domaine Andron Haut-Médoc 2010 – Domaine Andron is situated in the little village of Saint Seurin de Cadourne (just north of Saint Estèphe and not far from Pauillac) being neighbours of the famous chateau Sociando-Mallet. Three First-Cru vineyards are within 20 minutes away (Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild).

Domaine Andron dates back to the early 19th century. It became a “Cru Bourgeois” in 1892, and has first-rate vineyard with a reputation of the best wines of the Médoc. The domain is located on the famous rumps of Günziennes gravel close to the Gironde River. The soils are on deep sandy loam gravels. The vines are an average age of 42 years.

An extremely sophisticated culture, moderate yields, manual harvest at full maturity followed by careful breeding and vinification have resulted in an exceptional concentrated wine, with finesse and complexity, and was bottled without filtration. 

A large core of dark currant, plum and fig fruit rolled together and inlaid with baker’s chocolate, dark tobacco and loam notes. The long, solid, muscular finish lets the fruit and loam play out nicely. Best from 2014 through 2020. Cooper’s Price $29.99

Holiday Tree Lighting and Wine Walk…and another great tasting at Cooper

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 Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay – Fess Parker’s portrayal of the frontiersmen Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone during the 1950’s and 1960’s garnered him a legion of adoring fans spanning many generations. 

In 1964 Parker began filming the network television series, Daniel Boone. During the shows six year run as one of the highest rated shows on television Parker starred, co-produced and directed five of its most popular episodes. Parker also continued to star in numerous box office hits for Disney, Paramount and Warner Brothers’ Studios while simultaneously laying the foundation for his second career in real estate development.

One of Parker’s business adventures took him inland to the Santa Ynez Valley to follow the lure of the county’s promise as a world-class wine region. Parker purchased a 714 acre ranch on what is now known as the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail and set out to make wine of the highest quality made from estate grown grapes and the best vineyards in the county. The winery has received critical success and numerous awards including Eli Parker and his successor winemaker, Blair Fox, being named the Andre Tchelistcheff Wine Maker of the Year in 2006 and 2008 respectively.  Regular $19.99 Cooper’s Price $16.99

 Akutain Cosecha Rioja – With almost 40 years of experience under their belt, Bodega Akutain produces classically-styled Rioja wines exclusively from their own 6.5ha (18 acres) of vineyards located near the town of Haro, in the subzone Rioja Alta, widely considered to be the most prestigious appellation for producing age-worthy Rioja wines. Founded by Juan José Peñagaricano Akutain, the bodega is now run by his son, Jon Peñagaricano. Artisan in all aspects of production, Akutain hand harvests, ferments with native yeasts with little extraction, and works with very little new oak. The resultant wines are throwbacks to Rioja’s past – 12.5 to 13% alcohol, beautifully aromatic, nuanced, and age-worthy.

The Akutain Cosecha is comprised of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha, is fermented in fiberglass vats with native yeasts and raised for a short time in the same fiber glass vats. A delicious wine to pair with a variety of Tapas, and a pure example of Rioja Alta wine region.  Regular $19.99 Cooper’s Price $16.99

Mauro Molino Barbera d’Alba 2017 – Established in 1953, the Azienda Agricola Molino, is located near the ancient abbey of S. Martino di Marcenasco and includes one of the most famous crus of the Langhe, “Vigna Conca”, among its vineyards. The estate is run since 1978, year of the death of the founder Giuseppe, by his son Mauro, an oenologist certified at the well-known Oenology Institute of Alba. Mauro, due to the experience acquired in various estates in northern Italy, has given a big impulse towards the production of high quality wines. Mauro’s son Matteo, having completed his studies of Oenology, is now working full-time at the estate.

Kevin’s Notes:  You may recall, we featured this wine 5 years ago when we first opened and it’s stunning this year with deep violet red color, fine and fruity bouquet with scents of ripe red berries and minerals. This wine taste well above its price!  Regular Price: $19.99  Cooper’s Price: $16.99

 Kurtz Family Cellars “Magnolia” Sonoma Valley Cabernet 2014 – Krutz Family Cellars was founded in summer of 2003 in Monterey County when Patrick Kurtz produced sixty cases of wine. The idea was to purchase a ton of grapes a year in order to produce a small amount of wine for family and friends. However, demand soon changed that plan and Krutz Family Cellars continues to grow in an effort to supply that demand. In 2011 Bryan and Cole Krutz joined their brother Patrick as owners and Krutz Family Cellars is now a family owned winery located in Sonoma County.

Tasting notes: Rich, forward and balanced out of the gate. Dark and plush blackberry, black cherry and licorice lift forward from the glass. A very viscous and velvety texture on the palate accompany flavors of dark fruit, cedar spice and a bit of mountain sage. Youthful and lovely now but could easily negotiate cellar aging.

Kevin’s Notes:  This is the third holiday season for us featuring this wine and the price has not gone up and the wine continues to over deliver at its price.  This is a no brainer $25 gift item for the holidays and for any prime rib meal.  Regular Price $29.99 Cooper’s Price $24.99

5th Birthday Party Tasting!!!

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Villa Wolf 2016 Pinot Gris, Pflaz, Germany – The Pfalz (aka ‘Palatinate’) region is in the Rhine River Valley in Southwest Germany, directly north of France’s Alsace region. The low-lying Haardt Mountains protect the area from cold, wet Atlantic weather, making it one of the warmer and drier areas of Germany. The predominant soil type in this area is well-drained, weathered sandstone. It produces wines with a fruit-driven purity and a stoney structure. It was here in the Pfalz region, back in the 19th century Pinot Gris was first identified as an individual variety and vinified separately. 

The modern-day Villa Wolf Pinot Gris is made in a bright, racy, dry style with fresh, un-oaked fruit and a crisp texture. It is an excellent partner for salmon, chicken or pork and Thanksgiving while eating or cooking!  

Kevin’s Notes:  It’s simple, the wine is fantastic for the money!  Special Price $14.99

 

Scar of the Sea Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2017 – Scar of the Sea is the project of Mikey Giugni and Mike Brughelli, two friends who love wine, beaches and the ocean. Together, they wanted to craft wines from vineyards that are influenced by the sea, with maritime soils and climates, which produce wines that speak of their origins in the Central Coast of California. To that end, Mikey and Mike source fruit from environmentally conscientious growers at top-quality vineyard sites like Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills and Presqu’ile in Santa Barbara County. The name of the label comes from a small red brick church in Tasmania (located right next to the beach), where Mikey worked for a growing season. He mistakenly read the old English writing as “Scar of the Sea”, when, in fact, it is written “Star of the Sea.” He liked the sound of “Scar of the Sea” so much he decided to keep it that way!

The 2017 Scar of the Sea Pinot Noir is made of fruit from different vineyard sites in Santa Maria and Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County. The wine is fermented 30% whole cluster with native yeasts and aged in neutral oak for 10 months, then bottled without filtration. Light ruby in the glass, the Scar of the Sea is beautifully aromatic with gorgeous concentration of sweet red and black fruit buoyed by a floral and spice lift. It is balanced by a pleasant acidity and firm but not obtrusive tannins that flow seamlessly into a bright, long finish. 

Kevin’s Notes:  This is our third year we have featured this wine for the holidays because it over delivers for the price.  His single vineyard and single appellation wines start at $45 and they are, “WOW”.  Regular $32.99 Cooper’s Price $28.99

 

High Valley Vineyards Lake County Cabernet 2014 – The High Valley AVA rises between 1,600 and 3,000 ft. elevation in the Coastal Ranges of northeastern Lake County. Thanks to the highelevation and cool breezes from the oldest lake in North America, it is one of the coolest appellations in Lake County. We run 1,000 head of sheep on these vineyards, composting the weeds into nutrients for the red, rocky volcanic soils. Typical of High Valley fruit, the grapes from Betsy’s vineyard are powerful, yet complex. Named in memory of Clay’s mother, Betsy’s vineyard has a northwest facing slope that allow longer ripening time, resulting in an intensely structured Cabernet. Using a majority of French oak, we age in barrels to lift the fruit with nice toasted spices on the finish.

Tasting Notes  Our High Valley Cabernet Sauvignon starts with aromas of dried cherry, black pepper and cedar. The full-bodied flavors and textured finish are enhanced by notes of cherries, herbs and toasted oak. Regular $21.99 Cooper’s Price $17.99

 
Le Fervent Costieres de Nimes Syrah – The term “fervent” is defined as “having intensity of spirit, feeling and enthusiasm,” an apt description of winemaker Michel Gassier’s passion for Syrah. Le Fervent is produced in Costières de Nîmes, the southern-most appellation of the Rhône Valley nestled on the shore of the Mediterranean, and is sourced from some of the coolest vineyard sites of the Southern Rhône, thanks to the strong maritime influence. This wine exhibits the freshness, elegance and mineraility that are often characteristic of Syrahs from the Northern Rhône, the birthplace of this most noble varietal.

Tasting Notes:  Almost black with reddish hues. The nose is both complex and intense, of black plum, china ink, blood orange and hints of pencil lead. A very fresh and vibrant wine with flavors of blueberry, boysenberry liquor and garrigue (oak), underlined by hints of toast and cocoa. It is framed by refined tannins and good acidity.  Regular $19.99 Cooper’s Price $16.99

A vibrant tasting, including a RARE Beaujolais Blanc!!!

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Gerard Boulay Sibylle Sancerre Rose – This winery is found in the Upper Loire Valley of France, from the  village Sancerre. Unlike many Sancerre Rosés, Boulay’s Rosé is not made from a selection of young vines but rather from 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines located on the steep hillsides in front of the his home in Chavignol. Of the 9ha owned by Gerard Boulay, 8 of the hectares are on the slopes of Chavignol on Kimmeridgian or “terre blanche” soils (similar to the soils in Chablis), which he works manually and has farmed organically since 1990. The youngest vines at the domaine were planted by Mr. Boulay in 1972 and the average vine age is approximately 45 years old. The wines ferment naturally in tank and with the exception of the Chavignol tradition which is also aged in tank, the parcellaire wines are aged in in a mix of Foudres and used 300L barrels. Gerard adds no yeast and little to no SO2 during vinfication. He describes his role as one of “surveillance” to make sure nothing goes wrong. In general he works by instinct, “au feeling” because he wants to “let the wine live” and tries not to interfere with the natural process. He states, “C’est la nature qui fait le vin” (Nature makes the wine). Regular Price $28.99 Cooper’s Price $22.99 OR 2 for $40!!!

 

Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Blanc – In the hamlet of Le Breuil, deep in the southern Beaujolais and perched above a narrow creek, the Domaine Dupeuble has been running almost continuously since 1512! The name of the domaine has changed just three times in its history, most recently when the last heir, Anna Asmaquer, married Jules Dupeuble in 1919. Today their grandson Damien manages the domaine along with his wife, brothers, sons, and daughter. Tradition runs deep in the family, but each generation has also managed to add something new, including increasing the property. Today it is comprised of 100 hectares, about forty percent of which is designated to vineyards. Strong advocates of the lutte raisonnée approach to vineyard work, they tend their vines without the use of any chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. The vineyards, planted primarily to Gamay, face Southeast, South, and Southwest, and about two thirds of the property is on granite-based soil. The grapes are harvested manually and vinified completely without SO2. The wines are not chaptalized, filtered, or degassed and only natural yeasts are used for the fermentation. The wines of Dupeuble represent some of the best values in the Beaujolais today and are widely regarded for their very high quality and eminently reasonable price.

Kevin’s Notes:  There is NOT a lot of this wine. Beaujolais Blanc’s are Chardonnay, and very rare. This is a terrific fruit driven Chardonnay. It is luscious and rich on the palate balanced with acid. It is a wine created in the vineyards and we bought the wholesalers entire inventory – there are only 4 cases available!  Buy now for the holidays!!! Cooper’s Price $19.99 

 

Primarius Pinot Noir – Primarius wines embody sheer elegance where delicate flavors give way to full fruit expression; providing the most pleasurable drinking experience for wine lovers. Primarius wines represent the finest cool climate regions in Oregon and are a true reflection of the most famed varietal of the state, Pinot Noir. Latin for – distinguished – Primarius promises sophistication in every sip and exceeds expectations in quality, flavor and value.

Winemaker, Sarah Cabot, is the total package. She brings an ideal combination of ultra-premium Pinot Noir winemaking experience, good business sense, viticultural passion, and all-around poise and ease of articulation about what makes Oregon so special.

Already a familiar face and name in Oregon, Sarah has been making wine in the Willamette Valley for eight consecutive years. She has been the principal winemaker for Omero Cellars since its start in 2008. 

Tasting Notes: This Pinot Noir is a blend off vineyard sources throughout Oregon and is representative of one of Oregon’s great vintages. Aromatics suggest blackberries and Bing cherries accented by some subtle notes of cinnamon and clove. The palate carries these aromas on and compliments them with lively acidity and just a hint of oak sweetness. The mouthfeel is round and pleasant and yields some further depth suggesting Morello cherries and nutmeg. The finish lingers with soft, silky tannins and leaves an aftertaste of sweet red and black fruits and holiday spice. Cooper’s Price $15.99

 

 

Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico – Located right in the heart of the area of origin of the Chianti Classico in Tuscany, the property covers about 810 hectares. Here, the local wine-making tradition dating back to the 16th century persists with vitality and vigour thanks to 83 hectares of cultivated vineyards whose grapes yield the renowned Poggio Bonelli wines.

One of the key factors to making this so wonderful is the fact it is hillside vineyard facing south in Chianti.  South and west facing vineyards gain more sun exposure to ripen the grapes.

95 points Wine Spectator:

Offers enticing aromas of black cherry, leather, tobacco, iron and earth. Well-structured and full of ripe fruit, this builds to a vibrant, tannic finish, with a lingering aftertaste of iron, cherry and leather. Should develop beautifully. (7/2018)

90 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:

The 2015 Chianti Classico is a stylish and contemporary wine with dark concentration and broad appeal. It sees 90% Sangiovese blended with 10% Merlot. It delivers its intensity with force across the board with a lasting and generous disposition. The wine reveals aromas of dark cherry and prune with spice, tobacco and Spanish cedar. The oak impact is strong and needs a year or so to better integrate. If you are looking for a soft and rich value wine to pair with steak or pork chops, this wine is up to the task for sure.Cooper’s Price $19.99