Friday, January 10th, 2020 & Saturday, January 11th, 2020
1. Erwin Sabathi “Leutschacher” Sauvignon Blanc—Austria
Cooper’s Price $27.99
The history of Erwin Sabathi began in 1650, when George Sabati founded the small winery. In 1938, the winery was sold to Johann Sabati and his wife, Lyudmila. In the mid-1950s, Johann significantly expanded the area of his vineyards, and planted Sauvignon Blanc. In 1968, Erwin Sabati purchased a store in which the company’s wines are still sold today. During this period, new vineyards were also purchased, and a big upsurge in the company began in 1992, when the leadership was completely transferred to Erwin Sabati. In 2016 the winery passed the process of certification for organic winemaking.
Village wines demonstrate different characteristics due to their vineyard-location/-orientation, sea level and soil conditions – these components affect the aroma and the typicity of these wines. Different regions mean variously climatic and geological circumstances effecting various wines. Therefore the wine refers to the wine-growing area and this is the reason for using the name “Leutschach” on the bottle label.
A delicate fragrance of flint minerality, cassis leaves, and spicy herbs; vivacious and pulsating tension on the palate, mineral notes, fruity aftertaste.
2. Drew Mid-Elevation Mendocino Pinot Noir 2018
Cooper’s Price $29.99
With such a strong background in the vineyard it is no surprise why Jason Drew sees the vineyard site as the foremost ingredient in making exceptional wines. Considerable time is spent researching each vineyard chosen for the Drew portfolio. He establishes relationships with growers who share in his enthusiasm for meticulous and sustainable farming practices. Jason feels he is merely the steward of the fruit in his winemaking. Grapes are picked when they have reached the desired flavors, while also maintaining essential acidity.
Kevin’s Note: This is stunning Pinot Noir blended from 8 different single-vineyards. The fruit is rich without being over-the-top with expressive aromatics and flavors of cherry and dark raspberry. The blend of flavors and acidity is some of the best I have tasted, giving you wonderful texture and mouthfeel. Jason Drew is a true winemaker by NOT over-managing the wine. He allows most of the winemaking to be done in the vineyards, something that many winemakers fail to realize (we’re looking at you, Meomi!).
3. Contino Rioja Reserva 2012
Cooper’s Price $39.99
In 1973, Contino was founded, and became the first of first of the new wave of single vineyard Rioja estates. Today, the winery makes some of Rioja’s finest wines, polished and comparably modern, but with a sense of balance and restraint that gives them amazing elegance and great longevity. Simply put, this is modern Rioja executed perfectly.
The history of the property dates from the 16th century, and is reflected in its name; the “contino” was the officer in charge of a guard corps of a hundred soldiers who protected the royal family “de contino” (continuously) from the times of the Catholic Monarchs onwards. According to the tradition, Saint Gregory, the patron saint of vineyards, passed through the lands of this same Rioja property, giving rise to the use of his figure in the logo of this winery, and to the use of his name for some of the plots now planted with vines.
The Grapes are Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Grenache. This Rioja also boasts a healthy 10% dollop of older vine Graciano, which enhances the wine’s color, freshness and ageability. Aromas of wet earth, spice and dark berry follow through to a full body, round and soft tannins and a long and decadent finish. Black olive and dark fruits. This is the only wine made from Contino in this year. Drink now!
4. Wyatt California Cabernet Sauvignon
Cooper’s Price $15.99
The Wyatt Cabernet Sauvignon comes from select California vineyards, predominantly from North Coast appellations. 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, aged a short time in French oak.
Wyatt was born from the idea that delicious, mouth-filling California wines can be hand-crafted at reasonable prices. The goal of Wyatt is simple…to WAY overdeliver for the money. Period!
Most inexpensive California wines come from vast industrially-farmed vineyards that produce for the most part innocuous wines with little character (of course there are some exceptions). Alternatively, some wineries have tried to enhance their innocuous wines by adding sugar and oak flavors to create beverages that are almost as close to soda pop as they are to wine! We think this is a shame since it gives entry-level drinkers a false impression of what quality wine is.
The wine offers up a rich and forward fruit profile with cherry, cassis and dark stone fruits, while remaining fresh with nice tannic structure.
Kevin’s Notes: It’s real simple; this is one of the best Cabernets at this price. It will not disappoint even the most educated palate!
