Domaine de Couran Ardeche, Rose 2016
Jean-Luc, the farmer of the grapes doesn’t want wine-making to interfere with his farming. The grapes in this beautiful rose’ are all hand-picked by the family, finishing before sunrise and delivered to the winery in cool temperatures. Their wine cellar is spotlessly clean and, where they bottle unfined and only coarsely filtered wine. It’s 100% grenache and ORGANIC!
Regular Price: $14.99
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay
Our story begins more than 50 years ago, when a celebrated American dancer named Rod Strong settled in Sonoma County to pursue a second lifelong creative passion: winemaking. Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in the newly discovered Sonoma County wine industry. A trio of winemaking paths crossed when Rick Sayre joined the team as Winemaker in 1979, and again when the Klein Family, 4th generation California farmers, purchased the winery in 1989 and initiated a renewed commitment of modern artisan winemaking.
Taste Profile – The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay was barrel fermented in new French oak creating toasty vanilla and spice complexities in the wine. We regularly stirred the lees during the 10 months of barrel aging to add richness and texture. The remaining portion was cold fermented in stainless steel, where malolactic fermentation brought additional character. This wine is brimming with crisp apple and pineapple flavors, with a core of bright acidity and a long toasty finish.
Regular $15.99
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Pence Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara
Estate grown, organically farmed, and crafted by legendary winemaker Sashi Moorman, this wine represents the true future of Pinot Noir in California. Aged for 12 months in 10% new French oak, revealing an elegant, juicy wine that balances French motif with the California sun.
Kevin’s Notes: Santa Barbara continues making some of the best Pinot Noir for the money and the Pence Ranch Pinot Noir is an even greater example. I sat down with the winemaker at the store and his devotion to making outstanding Estate, organically grown wine shines through when you taste Pinot and Chardonnay! This is one of the best deals in the store, as a matter fact, the entire tasting is focused on great price vs. quality!
Regular Price $26.99
.Cooper’s Price $19.99
Bodegas Hermanos Peciña, Rioja Crianza 2011
Señorío de P. Peciña Tinto Crianza is a red wine from Rioja produced by Bodegas Hermanos Peciña. Peciña was founded in 1992 by La Rioja Alta’s long-time vineyard manager, Pedro Peciña. Pedro comes from a long line of grape growers, and grapes are in his blood. His family held 50 acres of great old vineyards around San Vincente, and they would form be the basis of his new estate. In 2002, after 18 years at La Rioja Alta, Pedro left to devote himself entirely to his bodega. By now, he knew where all the best vineyards were, acquiring additional prime parcels exclusively on the left bank of the river, with its high elevations and chalky soil. From the beginning, Pedro’s winemaking has been utterly classic, and he uses his American oak barrels subtly. With an average age of 5-6 years, the wood is largely neutral, providing textural richness, but only background flavor notes. This wine is a blend of Tempranillo (95%), Graciano (3%) and Garnacha (2%). The grapes used to make this wine come from different vineyards 40 years old.
Critic Review – Vinous 91 points – Deep red. Spicy, smoke-tinged cherry and red berry scents are complemented by suggestions of incense and vanilla. Smoky black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors are lifted and energized by a mineral element. Sappy, incisive and fresh on the finish, firmed by supple, well-knit tannins.
Regular Price $21.99
Cooper’s Price $17.99
