Wine Tasting Spotlight…

Join us Friday Mar 4 & Saturday Mar 5 for our weekly wine tasting. Expect the unusual, but expect greatness!

Vevi Rueda 2014

A cuvee (blend) made especially for José Pastor Selections in collaboration with Antonio Sanz, a vintner with deep roots and intimate knowledge of the Rueda region in Spain. Jose Pastor Selections are always wines I will consider buying. His palate is highly trained to a specific taste profile and it is displayed in the wines he imports from Spain. For winemaking, he’s a big believer in “little is more”.

Tasting Notes:

This wine is a bright, brilliant example of the Verdejo and Viura grapes off 20-40 yr old vines. It is fermented in stainless tanks. The wines body and extensive flavors and texture come from the juice resting with the lees (dead yeast cells) for 6 months after fermentation is done.

For more on Jose Pastor http://www.josepastorselections.com/

Gundlach Bundschu Estate Sonoma Coast Gewurztraminer 2013

Shortly after we opened the store, Katie Bundschu stopped by the store to show us some of the family’s wines and I learned a great deal. For instance, the winery is oldest family-owned winery in California, it was started in 1858. President Lincoln wasn’t even in office!

The grape variety, Gewurztraminer, literally means “Spicey Traminer” and has been a standard for the winery since it opened. The old Rhinefarm Vineyard in Sonoma gives this wine an everlasting excitement and culinary pleasure.

Tasting Notes:

This wine is a jester as it will fool you into thinking it is going to be sweet, but in fact, it’s dry. Aromas of allspice, jasmine and citrus burst from the glass. Luscious flavors of pink grapefruit, white nectarine, navel orange, lychee and star fruit are spiced with fresh ginger and coriander.

Castello di Neive Piemonte Grignolino 2014

This Grignolino is a small-production gem (at 4,000 bottles annually) that is incredibly food friendly. Made from 100% Grignolino grapes, it shows the lightness and finesse which has made Grignolino a widely-appreciable wine. Following fermentation, this wine is aged for 3 months in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, fruit-forward aromas.

Light ruby in color, aromas of red fruits and roses complement undertones of Bing cherries, strawberries, and hints of spice box. On the palate, crisp acidity and smooth tannins make for a food friendly wine.

 Tasting Notes from Kevin:

As many of you know, I’ve been in wine and spirit business for almost 30 years, most of it as a whole manager and buyer and I’m embarrassed to say I have never tasted Grignolino until recently and was hit with a “WOW Moment” so I bought the last 2 cases!

http://www.thewinebowgroup.com/our-brands/castello-di-neive/

Bodegas Ondarre Reserva Rioja 2010

Bodegas Ondarra is based in Viana, a historic town 6 kilometers from Logroño, Rioja’s capital. Founded in 1986 it has quickly become one of the standout producers in the region with its elegant and distinguishable style

Their most acclaimed wines are their Reservas, which win top awards and critical approval every year. They attribute their success to the hard work in the vineyards and their continual investment into the winery and barrel stock. They use both French and American oak casks to help them obtain the incredible character in their wines.

Tasting Notes:

Rarely can you find a Reserva level from Rioja under $20, this wine is $14.98

http://www.grupobodegasolarra.com/en/ondarre