Gerard Boulay Sibylle Sancerre Rose – This winery is found in the Upper Loire Valley of France, from the village Sancerre. Unlike many Sancerre Rosés, Boulay’s Rosé is not made from a selection of young vines but rather from 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines located on the steep hillsides in front of the his home in Chavignol. Of the 9ha owned by Gerard Boulay, 8 of the hectares are on the slopes of Chavignol on Kimmeridgian or “terre blanche” soils (similar to the soils in Chablis), which he works manually and has farmed organically since 1990. The youngest vines at the domaine were planted by Mr. Boulay in 1972 and the average vine age is approximately 45 years old. The wines ferment naturally in tank and with the exception of the Chavignol tradition which is also aged in tank, the parcellaire wines are aged in in a mix of Foudres and used 300L barrels. Gerard adds no yeast and little to no SO2 during vinfication. He describes his role as one of “surveillance” to make sure nothing goes wrong. In general he works by instinct, “au feeling” because he wants to “let the wine live” and tries not to interfere with the natural process. He states, “C’est la nature qui fait le vin” (Nature makes the wine). Regular Price $28.99 Cooper’s Price $22.99 OR 2 for $40!!!
Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Blanc – In the hamlet of Le Breuil, deep in the southern Beaujolais and perched above a narrow creek, the Domaine Dupeuble has been running almost continuously since 1512! The name of the domaine has changed just three times in its history, most recently when the last heir, Anna Asmaquer, married Jules Dupeuble in 1919. Today their grandson Damien manages the domaine along with his wife, brothers, sons, and daughter. Tradition runs deep in the family, but each generation has also managed to add something new, including increasing the property. Today it is comprised of 100 hectares, about forty percent of which is designated to vineyards. Strong advocates of the lutte raisonnée approach to vineyard work, they tend their vines without the use of any chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. The vineyards, planted primarily to Gamay, face Southeast, South, and Southwest, and about two thirds of the property is on granite-based soil. The grapes are harvested manually and vinified completely without SO2. The wines are not chaptalized, filtered, or degassed and only natural yeasts are used for the fermentation. The wines of Dupeuble represent some of the best values in the Beaujolais today and are widely regarded for their very high quality and eminently reasonable price.
Kevin’s Notes: There is NOT a lot of this wine. Beaujolais Blanc’s are Chardonnay, and very rare. This is a terrific fruit driven Chardonnay. It is luscious and rich on the palate balanced with acid. It is a wine created in the vineyards and we bought the wholesalers entire inventory – there are only 4 cases available! Buy now for the holidays!!! Cooper’s Price $19.99
Primarius Pinot Noir – Primarius wines embody sheer elegance where delicate flavors give way to full fruit expression; providing the most pleasurable drinking experience for wine lovers. Primarius wines represent the finest cool climate regions in Oregon and are a true reflection of the most famed varietal of the state, Pinot Noir. Latin for – distinguished – Primarius promises sophistication in every sip and exceeds expectations in quality, flavor and value.
Winemaker, Sarah Cabot, is the total package. She brings an ideal combination of ultra-premium Pinot Noir winemaking experience, good business sense, viticultural passion, and all-around poise and ease of articulation about what makes Oregon so special.
Already a familiar face and name in Oregon, Sarah has been making wine in the Willamette Valley for eight consecutive years. She has been the principal winemaker for Omero Cellars since its start in 2008.
Tasting Notes: This Pinot Noir is a blend off vineyard sources throughout Oregon and is representative of one of Oregon’s great vintages. Aromatics suggest blackberries and Bing cherries accented by some subtle notes of cinnamon and clove. The palate carries these aromas on and compliments them with lively acidity and just a hint of oak sweetness. The mouthfeel is round and pleasant and yields some further depth suggesting Morello cherries and nutmeg. The finish lingers with soft, silky tannins and leaves an aftertaste of sweet red and black fruits and holiday spice. Cooper’s Price $15.99
Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico – Located right in the heart of the area of origin of the Chianti Classico in Tuscany, the property covers about 810 hectares. Here, the local wine-making tradition dating back to the 16th century persists with vitality and vigour thanks to 83 hectares of cultivated vineyards whose grapes yield the renowned Poggio Bonelli wines.
One of the key factors to making this so wonderful is the fact it is hillside vineyard facing south in Chianti. South and west facing vineyards gain more sun exposure to ripen the grapes.
95 points Wine Spectator:
Offers enticing aromas of black cherry, leather, tobacco, iron and earth. Well-structured and full of ripe fruit, this builds to a vibrant, tannic finish, with a lingering aftertaste of iron, cherry and leather. Should develop beautifully. (7/2018)
90 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
The 2015 Chianti Classico is a stylish and contemporary wine with dark concentration and broad appeal. It sees 90% Sangiovese blended with 10% Merlot. It delivers its intensity with force across the board with a lasting and generous disposition. The wine reveals aromas of dark cherry and prune with spice, tobacco and Spanish cedar. The oak impact is strong and needs a year or so to better integrate. If you are looking for a soft and rich value wine to pair with steak or pork chops, this wine is up to the task for sure.Cooper’s Price $19.99
