Wine Tasting August 5 & 6th, 2022
Flâneur Wines, Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2019
A flâneur is, quite simply, a leisurely wanderer, a worldly explorer, a connoisseur of life. The word, hailing from 19th-century France, captures the idea that the mind functions best at a slow pace, and that curiosity can uncover a life of significance.
Taste – Sultry and perfumed, this wine showcases its complexity with aromatics of beeswax, white peach, chamomile, citrus and a hint of toasty character. On the palate, it’s reminiscent of Meyer lemon curd, honeydew, orange flower blossom, pear and delicate spices. All of these characteristics are framed by persistent, crunchy acidity and a long, mouthwatering finish.
Kevin’s Notes – The regular price for this wine $26 – $28.99. We recently bought 5 cases on an inventory reduction and it is stunning.
Cooper’s Price $22.99 – Mix 3 btls $20.69
François Crochet, Sancerre 2021 – ORGANIC
François graduated from the famous enology school in Beaune, France. After school, he cut his teeth by working at Domaine Bruno Clair in Burgundy. François took over his father’s winery not too long ago and has been turning heads everywhere, first in France and now here. He is one of the first to pick in Sancerre so the acidity of his wines rage.
What is most interesting about Crochet’s entry-level Sancerre Blanc is that it is an assemblage of dozens of small vineyards from every aspect (from north, south, east and west), steep to flat sites, numerous geological formations.
Kevin’s Notes – Wines from Sancerre continue to sell-out and supply is shrinking as these bright, brilliant Sauvignon Blancs continue to exhibit their power on the palate
Cooper’s Price $34.99 – Mix 3 btls $31.49
Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation Red 2021 – BIODYNAMIC
When Martha founded the company in 2014, she started by exploring warm and breezy regions that allow for natural farming. She was thrilled to find a handful of dedicated farmers, primarily growing Mediterranean grapes in the Ukiah area of Mendocino County, Contra Costa County and Suisun Valley. She has been making wine from their fruit and laughing with them ever since.
The Wine: Varietal: 55% Zinfandel, 34% Pinot noir, 8% Carignan, 3% Petite Sirah
Vinification: Unfined. Pinot noir was lightly filtered, Zinfandel, Carignan and Petite Sirah remained unfiltered before blending and bottling. Sediment expected.
Kevin’s Notes – I have not tasted this wine. This is the 6th vintage we have bought of this wine. I buy it sight unseen as I am a HUGE fan of Martha. This is the first time she’s used Pinot Noir and Petit Sirah and judging from the color it will be awesome!!! Cooper’s Price $26.99 Mix 3 btls $24.29
Chateau Lilian Ladouys St Estephe, Bordeaux 2019 – ORGANIC
Château Lilian Ladouys is Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois wine property located in Saint-Estèphe with 40ha vineyards on gravel rich soils and well-drained slopes overlooking the Gironde. Plantings are 58% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc.
Winemaker Notes – Château Lilian Ladouys 2019, a vintage that is fresh yet sumptuous. The tannins are velvety, the balance exceptional: here is a wine similar in some ways to 2016 or 2018, yet even fresher and more aromatic.
Kevin’s Notes – Bordeaux may be my favorite wines and St Estephe is a fantastic region and this is an incredible vintage – this wine rocks!
Wine Review ; Vinous – 92+ Points
The 2019 Lilian Ladouys has gained a little more refinement since I tasted it in barrel, the black fruit now dominant and interlaced with tobacco and pencil box scents, less Margaux-like than previously. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly powdery tannins. Classic in style, with that touch of brine on the finish. I admire the way it lingers in the mouth. Afford this 3–5 years in bottle.
Cooper’s Price $34.99 Mix 3 btls $31.49
