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
