Dom. de Pallus Messanges Chinon Rosé Cab Franc 2021
The Story – Winemaker Bertrand Sourdais hails from the sleepy Loire Valley appellation of Chinon, but he made his mark in Spain’s Ribera del Duero, where he earned a reputation for crafting profound wines from the ancient vines at Dominio de Atauta. Sourdais displays a combination of skill and instinct in the cellar—coupled with his deep understanding of vineyard practices and commitment to biodynamic farming. Sourdais returned to his family’s estate in 2003, shifting Pallus’ direction to biodynamics and slow winemaking.
The Wine – Pale pink in color, the nose is all zesty citrus and under-ripe red berries. The palate is fresh and clean, with the same zip and csitrus/strawberry notes abundant on the nose. There’s a lingering white spice (cardamom? coriander?) expression on the finish, and wet stone minerality lingers long after the fruit. Refreshing, reviving, and a ridiculous value to boot. Drink on its own, or enjoy it with fresh summer salads, seafood, and oysters. Cooper’s Price $17.99 Mix and Match 3btls $16.19/btl
Barnard Griffin Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Established in 1983 by Winemaker Rob Griffin and his wife, Deborah Barnard. Rob saw the opportunity to make great wine in Washington and moved north in 1977. Pleased with his move to Washington, he says “The northern latitude of Washington and the ideally drained sandy soils of the Columbia Valley make it possible to produce deeply concentrated wines of pronounced character.”
Winemaker Notes
Racy acidity plays a welcome supporting role to delicious pear, tangerine and lime flavors. A hint of honeydew melon rises up on the slightly minerally finish. This delicious new release is just in time to enjoy at your spring and summer patio and pool-side get-togethers.
Blend: 91.7% Sauvignon Blanc, 8.3% Semillon
Cooper’s Price $25.99 Mix and Match 3 btls $23.29/btl
Baracchi Smeriglio Cortona, Italy – 100% Sangiovese
Baracchi Winery is a wine estate in the Cortona region of Tuscany. It is owned by the Baracchi family which has a history of winegrowing dating back to 1860. Today, the estate makes a range of regional Tuscan wines based predominantly on Syrah, including a wide portfolio of Cortona DOC and Toscana IGT wines. The estate covers 75 hectares (185 acres) of land, with 30 hectares (74 acres) dedicated to the cultivation of vines on south- and southwest-facing slopes. Baracchi’s winery is situated in San Martino and is surrounded by vineyards planted mainly to Syrah and Sangiovese.
More than just winery – On the property is a small full-service Hotel and a Michelin Star Restaurant run by the mother – she’s the chef!
The Wine – Fermentation and maceration with skins for 25 days in stainless steel vats. Passage in French oak barrels of second passage for 12 months. 3 months in bottle before the release.
Kevin’s Notes – Vibrant deep red color with red rose pedals and dark strawberry jumping from the glass. The flavors are consistent with the aromatics, but with an appropriate added touch of leather. VERY polished tannins make this an amazing wine to drink now! Cooper’s Price $25.99 Mix and Match 3 btls $23.29/btl
Baracchi “Ardito” Cortona, Italy – 50% Cabernet and 50% Syrah
The Wine:
Masterpiece of Baracchi, Ardito is the best selection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, blended together. 30 days of maceration with skins. 24 months in new French oak barrels and 12 months in bottle before the release
Tasting Notes:
Concentrated ruby red colour. Intense aromas of full ripe red fruits like blackberries and morello cherries. Spicy and toasty notes of black pepper, chocolate and vanilla supported by hints of herbs, topsoil, leather and tobacco. Very complex, elegant and harmonious. Full body, velvety well supported by a marked freshness and smooth tannins. Very long and fruity aftertaste.
Kevin’s Notes – This is what we refer to as a “Super Tuscan”. “Super Tuscan” wines are either blends or 100% varietal of non-indigenous grapes to Italy such as Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Cab Franc etc.
This is the Best Super Tuscan I’ve tasted in years under $75.
Cooper’s Price $45.99 Mix and Match 3 btls $41.39
