September’s First Tasting – Labor Day Wines
Mix and match 3 wines for 10% Off!
#1 – La Vida al Camp Spanish Cava (Sparkling)
Regular Price $17.99 – Sale Price $14.99
La Vida al Camp, is blended with indigenous grapes (Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada) from farmer friends of the region that work organically. Vinified and aged a minimum of 15 months at Josep Lluís’ cellar in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. 91 points, International Wine Report
“Brings aromas and flavors of lemon zest, tangerine, brioche, sulfur and smoky minerals. The mousse is fine, yet intense providing incredible energy to the wine. Lovely notes of lemon and orange zest linger on the fresh, crisp finish.”
Kevin’s Notes: Well it’s taken me almost 12 months to find a sparkling Spanish Cava that meets my standard for a wine to taste better than its price point and here it is! It is a wonderful sparkler that is not too dry and delivers amazing flavors and texture. This is also an organic wine. God I love great cava below $20!
#2 – Mas de Libian “Cave Vinum” 2015
Regular Price $18.99 – Cooper’s Price $16.99
The Thibon family acquired Mas de Libian in 1670. Today Jean-Pierre, his wife Jacqueline and their 3 daughters. They use their horse Nestor to plow the vines which are located on the old terraced land of the Rhône. “Hélène Thibon’s small-batch white comes from a blend of low-cropped, hand-harvested Roussanne, Viognier and Clairette (40/40/20).
The Roussanne and Clairette are raised entirely in cement and stainless steel vats, while the Viognier is partially fermented in demi-muid (600 liter oak barrels). The best white Cotes du Rhone wines are much purer and much more mineral-fresh than ever before. Mas de Libian’s white is no exception and there is little doubt it is one of regions best. Her education in Burgundy has positively influenced this pliant, juicy and tasty example. Terrific fruit clarity, texture and freshness, and a dry, racy lip-smacking palate with personality plus.
By the way, the name Cave Vinum (beware of the wine) is a play on the Latin phrase cave canem (beware of the dog) that once adorned the entrances of well-to-do Pompeii residences.” This is a Biodynamic wine. Kevin: It’s quite simple, “This is perhaps the best white wine for the money in our store.
#3 – Domiane de Bellevue La Galoche Beaujolais 2014
Regular $17.99 – Cooper’s Price $14.99
Raphael Saint Cyr is the fourth generation vigneron at the Domaine de Bellevue, which was created by his great-grandfather Pierre Saint Cyr in Anse at the southern edge of the Beaujolais. When Raphael took over the winemaking in 2008, he let go of a large portion of Beaujolais vines around the winery, and acquired vines further north in the crus of Morgon, Regnié, Chénas, and Moulin-à-Vent. At the same time, he converted the entire 23 hectare domaine to certified organic viticulture, making Domaine de Bellevue the largest organic domaine in the Beaujolais.
The Gamay vines are 25 years old resting in clay-limestone soil. The juice spends 9 months in cement tanks with one-third aged in used barrels for 6 months. The wine is pure in Gamay fruit flavors which are elegant and rich in the finish.
#4 – Owen Roe Yakima Valley, WA Red
Regular Price $27.99 – Cooper’s Price $22.99
45% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 22% Cabernet. The 2013 vintage in Yakima Valley was hotter than normal through most of the growing season. Long, warm days sped up the ripening process through the end of August, and abruptly came to a screeching halt in early September. From this point until harvest, the late ripening varietals gained full flavors without excessive sugar accumulations. After barrel aging and bottling, it became readily apparent that 2013 was an exceptional vintage for the Bordeaux varietals. The massive ripe flavors are beautifully balanced with nice acidity and gorgeous aromas.
This is a vintage that will improve for over a decade, or possibly even two, with cool cellaring. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES: The initial aromatics show bright Cabernet Franc spice notes of cinnamon, anise and pink peppercorn. A blast of pretty plum fruit and firm tannins boasts a well-rounded mouthfeel with hints of subtle oak toast and dusty earth.
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