Wine Tasting Notes December 2nd and 3rd, 2022
Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva – Catalonia, Spain
About – The Bohigas family can trace its roots at the same site in Catalonia to the 13th century. The latest chapter of the story really began in the 1930s when the great-uncle of the current owner began making cava at the estate. This state of the art, gravity fed winery sits at Odena, in the Anoia river valley about 50km northwest of Barcelona. The current owner, Jordi Casanovas Bohigas tends to 110 acres of vines planted with ten varieties. Made from Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada vines grown in the estate vineyards, which are managed organically. Primary fermentation takes place in the tank, followed by a secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Tasting Notes – Wonderfully dry, bright brilliant flavors and mouthfeel. Lemon/lime, crushed rock and white currant notes are present in this crisp, elegant, refreshing, zesty, dry sparkler. Hints of wheat thins, and brioche add complexity. Cooper’s Price $17.99 – Mix and Match 3btls – $16.19
Domaine du Clos Fief Beaujolais-Villages ‘La Roche’ – Beaujolais-Villages, France
About – Domaine du Clos du Fief is run by the father-son team of Michel and Sylvain Tête. This is a rare 4th generation Cru estate in Juliénas and Jullie, based at the far Northwest sector of Beaujolais. The history of these great villages’ dates back more than 2,000 years and trace their names to Julius Caesar. Michel took over this history-rich land after studying in Beaune, where he learned many techniques that he now uses on his own wines to great acclaim. Michel and Sylvain harken their wines back to the classics: low yields, meticulously farmed vineyards, and classic winemaking resulting in serious and mouthwatering examples of terroir driven reds.
Tasting Notes – 100% Gamay with hints of ripe fresh strawberries, raspberry cordial, tropical fruits, fresh violets, and roses that meld notes of freshly-turned potting soil and wet rock. There is a stunning vivid freshness and firm, approachable tannins that leave this wine ready to be drunk young or, incredibly for a Villages level, prepared to lay down for a few years. Cooper’s Price $19.99 – Mix and Match 3btls – $17.99
Bodegas Olarra Reciente Rioja – Logrono, Spain
About – Bodegas Olarra is located on the outskirts of Logroño, in the heart of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, and within the highly regarded sub-area of Rioja Alta. Since its establishment in 1973, Olarra has been noted for the beauty and complexity of its unique premises thanks to its Y-shaped ground plan and its 111 hexagonal domes. Bodegas Olarra is commonly known as the Cathedral of Rioja. This winery tastefully merges cutting-edge wine-related technologies with the traditional winemaking methods of La Rioja, and as a result, it creates wines with the strictest parameters of quality. The 2017 Reciente Rioja Reserva, made from 90% Tempranillo with 10% Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, was aged for 16 months in French and American barriques, followed by 20 months in bottle to seamlessly integrate the aromas and flavors.
Tasting Notes: Dark ruby-crimson color with deeper-than-average shades for a Rioja. On the nose, black cherry, black raspberry, resinous herb, and subtle coconut make an initial impact, then pick up notes of black tea, wet rocks, and petrichor. Across the palate, the wine develops rich, savory notes of anise, loads of black cherry, dark chocolate, cedar, smoked cranberry, and damp earth. The mouthfeel is round and voluminous, with a fine tannic grip and a long, sappy finish with a little pepper and spice that lingers. Cooper’s Price $14.99 – Mix and Match 3btls – $13.49
Etchart Cafayate Malbec – Cafayate Argentina
About – Bodegas Etchart is the oldest operating winery in the Salta region and one of the most renowned wineries in Argentina: an authentic synonym for Cafayate and its high-altitude wines. At Bodegas Etchart they proudly sealed their commitment to the environment with Bodegas de Argentina´s sustainable Agriculture Certification. Their winery is located 1,750m above sea level in the Salta province, surrounded by spectacular rust-colored hills and crisp mountain air. They are amongst one of the highest vineyards in the world offering a unique location creating wines worth discovering. The high-altitude vineyards and extreme climates create wines with greater balance and exceptional character. The alcoholic fermentation lasts 7 days at 24-26°C, followed by 6-months ageing in French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes – On the nose is ripe plum, raisins, sweet and toasted spice notes because of its ageing in oak. On the palate it’s balanced and full-bodied with sweet, ripe tannins and a smooth toasted finish. This Malbec displays a deep ruby color with violet hues. Aromas of black fruits, plums, and a touch of vanilla create a structured palate, full body, and a long finish. The flavor profile is testament to vines with a 30-year heritage. Cooper’s Price $12.99 – Mix and Match 3btls – $11.69
