Domiane Saint-Lannes Cotes de Gascogne Blanc
Made by the Duffour family on their estate since 1982, the award-winning Domaine Saint-Lannes Blanc is a 70-30 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the two most popular and most planted white grape varieties in the world. They don’t often come together as bed-fellows, probably because they can command such adulation when flying solo, yet this unoaked blend of the two is pure genius. The Sauvignon adds a fresh, zippy, aromatic quality with plenty of citrus fruit to the fore, while the smaller percentage of Chardonnay smooths out the mid-palate, adding weight and a touch of creamy stone fruit.
The climate make for tremendous wines with the cooling influences of the Atlantic and the Pyrenees, combined with long, hot, southern French summers.
There are a great deal of food pairing options – green salads, creamy sauces, not to mention a great match for fish or chicken curry – with flavor and backbone to stand up to the rich spices and crisp acidity to cut through heavy sauces.
Cooper’s Price $10.99
Maxime-Francois Laurent “Il Fait Soif” Cotes du Rhone
Michèle Aubèry-Laurent and her husband, Philippe, bottled their first vintage of Domaine Gramenon in 1990. Philippe was a talented vigneron—both creative and edgy.
In 1999, in an unexpected twist of fate, he was killed in a tragic accident. Michèle was suddenly left on her own with their three children, vineyards, and a winery. Crushed but undaunted, Michèle stepped to the forefront, boldly picking up where Philippe left off. Today, she works 26 hectares (53 acres) with her talented son, Maxime François (a rising star in his own right), farming both young and very old vines alike. They employ organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards, with a strong non-interventionist stance in the cellars. Maxime François has begun flexing his own creative muscle, bottling two cuvées at the domaine under his own name and this is one of those wines.
Kevin’s Notes: The wine is a blend of 80% Grenace and 20% Syrah. It is fermented in cement casks and aged in stainless steel. Long story short, I was first introduced to this wine about six months from a VERY small wholesaler and we sold 3 cases at $29.99. The wholesaler recently reduced the cost significantly and we have passed it onto you. The wine is even MORE REMARKABE at this price!!! The wine is Organic and Biodynamic!!!
Regular Price $29.99
Now $22.99
La Cartuja 70% Garnacha 30% Mazuuelo – Priorat, Spain
La Cartuja is a unique wine produced in the Priorat region, one of the most prestigious appellations in Spain. Priorat is special due to the unmistakable mineral identity that the licorella (volcanic Slate) imparts in its wines.
La Cartuja is a small production cuvée made from organically grown and estate-owned, grapes located in the Carthusian Les Solanes estate. Most Priorat wines are expensive and require lots of time before they’re drinkable. La Cartuja is a fresh vision of Priorat, a wine that is young and accessible.
During medieval times, La Cartuja was the name given to a large geographical area governed by the Carthusian monks. The whole of Priorat was a “Cartuja,” a religious state rather than a civil domain. For centuries they performed the backbreaking work necessary to care for these difficult, isolated vineyards.
Kevin’s Notes: This is one of my favorite red wines for the money in the store. Aged in used French oak barrels for six months. Smoky, spicy dark berries and mocha appear on the nose and in the mouth, with a subtle mineral nuance building in the glass. In the context of Priorat, this wine delivers excellent value.
Regular Price $19.99
Cooper’s Price $15.99
Force of Nature Paso Robles Red
Most of our customers know how we like to rotate our selection by bringing in new wines while retiring others to the “been there, done that”. This philosophy can only work if I have replacements for certain categories while not upsetting our customers. However, The Force of Nature Red is not one we have been able to replace. We’re tasting this wine because it’s a new vintage and it’s been 18 months since the last time we tried it.
The wine is a blend of; 67% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Sirah and 11% Syrah.
Winemaker’s Notes: A gorgeous nose with sweet blackberry, cherry liqueur, and inner perfumed layers of violets, licorice, vanilla and red plum. Elegant and balanced on the palate, clean and pure with fresh cherries, subtle herbs and tobacco. The bright and spice driven finish begs for another sip.
Regular $17.99
Cooper’s Price $14.99
