Giacomo Grimaldi Sauvignon Blanc Langhe, Italy 2016
Giacomo Grimaldi, was founded in 1930 by Ernesto Grimaldi. In 1983 the winery was inherited by Giacomo, who sold the greatest part of his grapes in bulk, while keeping only a small part to be bottled for sale to a mostly local clientele. In 1996 Ferruccio Grimaldi, Giacomos son decided to continue the family wine business. Animated by a great passion, Ferruccio started to produce wines exclusively from the family’s vineyards.
Kevin’s Notes: In March, we went to Aspen to taste 100+ different Barolo’s, Barbaresco’s, Dolcetto’s and Barbera’s and Grimaldi blew us all away. We committed to 5 cases of each; Pistin Barbera, Dolcetto d’Alba, and his Sauvignon Blanc. He was the one of the stars of the tasting and now you’re going all of them over the next 30 days.
There’s something about Italian Sauvignon Blanc and I can’t put my finger on it. They can be very below average, or…they can be some of the best white wines you’ve tasted.
This Sauvignon is incredible with its light almond and subtle stone fruit nose and flavors. It does NOT have the strong aggressive citrus or green pepper character of many other brethren. Its mouthfeel is broad and round with acidity. It makes you salivate and satisfied! Quite frankly, it’s an outstanding white for this summer and at this price it’s a bargain.
Regular Price $19.99
Coopers Price $17.99
Mas Carlot White 2015
This wine comes from the western edge of the Rhone Valley, in the Costières de Nîmes appellation. The appellation is an ancient winemaking region that has been producing for over two millennia. In 1986 it was given AOC status in the Languedoc region, but was later attached to the Rhone region instead since the wines were characteristically more similar.
The Mas Carlot estate is run by winemaker Nathalie Blanc-Marès, who succeeded her father in the business in 1998. Her father sold their famous family restaurant in Paris in 1986 to buy Mas Carlot because of its incredible terrior and charm.
Tasting Notes: A wine with notes of apricot, peach marmalade and honeysuckle. Dry and refreshing. Intense fruity flavor is noted and a great personality. Excellent value for drinking over the next 1-2 years.
Regular $14.99
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Giacomo Grimaldi Dolcetto d’Alba 2015
Giacomo Grimaldi, was founded in 1930 by Ernesto Grimaldi. In 1983 the winery was inherited by Giacomo, who sold the greatest part of his grapes in bulk, while keeping only a small part to be bottled for sale to a mostly local clientele. In 1996 Ferruccio Grimaldi, Giacomos son decided to continue the family wine business. Animated by a great passion, Ferruccio started to produce wines exclusively from the family’s vineyards. He began acquiring vineyards of Nebbiolo in the most prestigious Barolo zones, firmly convinced of the great potential of Barolo wine.
Kevin’s Notes: The Dolcetto is vinified in stainless steel fermentation tank with an internal rotary system at temperature controlled. The maceration lasts normally 3 days.
Dolcetto is a dark-skinned grape with amazing brightness of red fruit on the nose and palate. It’s one of my go-to reds during warm months and for lighter meals. Everyone should try Dolcetto as I believe it will become regular wine for many homes.
Cooper’s Price $16.99
Chateau Bernadotte Bordeaux, France 2010
Chateau Bernadotte takes its name from a previous owner, Marshal Bernadotte, who had connections to royalty. Marshal Bernadotte was appointed the Sovereign Prince by Napoleon I. However, the vineyard was not always known as Bernadotte. In fact, that name is quite recent. Prior to 1997, the estate was known as Chateau Fournas. The name was changed in 1997 when what we know of as Chateau Bernadotte was purchased by Madame de Lencquesaing from Curt Eklund.
The 35 hectare (75 acres) Left Bank vineyard of Chateau Bernadotte has a terroir of gravel and sand with some clay in the soil. The vineyard is planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot . On average, the vines are 25 years of age. The vines are planted to a density of 6,500 vines per hectare.
Kevin’s Notes: 2010 Vintage is considered one of the top five vintages in Bordeaux. Once this is sold out I may not be able to buy it again, but I will be considerably more expensive.
Cooper’s Price $29.99
